Question

what is the length of the missing leg? if necessary, round to the nearest tenth.
b = centimeters

Explanation:

Step1: Apply Pythagorean theorem

Let the hypotenuse $c=80$ cm, one leg $b=54$ cm, missing leg $a$. The theorem is $a^2 + b^2 = c^2$, so rearrange to $a = \sqrt{c^2 - b^2}$.

Step2: Calculate $c^2 - b^2$

$$\begin{align*} c^2 - b^2 &= 80^2 - 54^2 \\ &= 6400 - 2916 \\ &= 3484 \end{align*}$$

Step3: Compute square root of result

$a = \sqrt{3484} = 59.0$

Answer:

$59.0$ centimeters