Question

Question was provided via image upload.

Explanation:

Step1: Identify Pythagorean theorem

For right triangle: $a^2 + b^2 = c^2$, where $c=87$ (hypotenuse), $a=72$, $b=x$.

Step2: Rearrange to solve for $x$

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

Step3: Substitute values

$x = \sqrt{87^2 - 72^2}$

Step4: Calculate squares

$87^2=7569$, $72^2=5184$

Step5: Compute difference

$7569 - 5184 = 2385$

Step6: Find square root

$x = \sqrt{2385} \approx 48.8$

Answer:

48.8 centimeters