Question

for the following right triangle, find the side length x.

Explanation:

Step1: Apply Pythagorean theorem

In a right - triangle, if the two legs are \(a = 8\) and \(b = 15\), and the hypotenuse is \(x\), the Pythagorean theorem is \(a^{2}+b^{2}=x^{2}\). So \(x^{2}=8^{2}+15^{2}\).

Step2: Calculate squares

\(8^{2}=64\) and \(15^{2}=225\). Then \(x^{2}=64 + 225=289\).

Step3: Find square - root

Since \(x^{2}=289\), then \(x=\sqrt{289}\). And \(\sqrt{289}=17\).

Answer:

17