Question

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

Explanation:

Step1: Apply Pythagorean theorem

For a right triangle, $a^2 + b^2 = c^2$, where $c$ is the hypotenuse. Rearrange to solve for $b$:
$b = \sqrt{c^2 - a^2}$

Step2: Substitute given values

Here, $c=87$ ft, $a=60$ ft:
$b = \sqrt{87^2 - 60^2}$

Step3: Calculate squares

$87^2 = 7569$, $60^2 = 3600$
$b = \sqrt{7569 - 3600}$

Step4: Compute difference and square root

$7569 - 3600 = 3969$
$b = \sqrt{3969} = 63$

Answer:

$b = 63$ feet