Question

15 yd.
9 yd.
what is the length of the missing leg? if necessary, round to the nearest tenth.
a = yards

Explanation:

Step1: Apply Pythagorean theorem

Let hypotenuse $c=15$, leg $b=9$. The theorem is $a^2 + b^2 = c^2$, so rearrange to $a^2 = c^2 - b^2$.

Step2: Substitute values

$a^2 = 15^2 - 9^2 = 225 - 81$

Step3: Calculate $a^2$

$a^2 = 144$

Step4: Solve for $a$

$a = \sqrt{144}$

Answer:

12 yards