Question

what is the length of the missing leg? if necessary, round to the nearest tenth. a = \boxed{} yards

Explanation:

Step1: Recall Pythagorean theorem

For right triangle: $a^2 + b^2 = c^2$, where $c=70$, $b=42$, solve for $a$.

Step2: Rearrange for missing leg

$a = \sqrt{c^2 - b^2}$

Step3: Substitute known values

$a = \sqrt{70^2 - 42^2} = \sqrt{4900 - 1764}$

Step4: Calculate and simplify

$a = \sqrt{3136} = 56$

Answer:

56 yards