Question

solve for x to the nearest tenth.

Explanation:

Step1: Find vertical side of right - triangle

The vertical side of the right - triangle formed at the bottom of the figure is $17 - 8=9$.

Step2: Apply Pythagorean theorem

The horizontal side of the right - triangle is 5 and the vertical side is 9. According to the Pythagorean theorem $a^{2}+b^{2}=c^{2}$, where $a = 5$, $b = 9$, and $c=x$. So $x=\sqrt{5^{2}+9^{2}}=\sqrt{25 + 81}=\sqrt{106}$.

Step3: Calculate the value of x

$\sqrt{106}\approx10.3$.

Answer:

$10.3$