Question

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

Explanation:

Step1: Apply Pythagorean theorem

In a right - triangle, $a^{2}+b^{2}=c^{2}$, where $c$ is the hypotenuse. Here $c = 25$ m and one leg $a = 15$ m. We need to find $b$. So, $b=\sqrt{c^{2}-a^{2}}$.

Step2: Substitute values

Substitute $c = 25$ and $a = 15$ into the formula: $b=\sqrt{25^{2}-15^{2}}=\sqrt{(25 + 15)(25 - 15)}$ (using the difference - of - squares formula $x^{2}-y^{2}=(x + y)(x - y)$). Then $b=\sqrt{40\times10}=\sqrt{400}$.

Step3: Calculate the result

$\sqrt{400}=20$

Answer:

20