Question

what is the length of the missing leg? if necessary, round to the nearest tenth.
b = \square kilometers
(there is a right triangle image with one leg labeled 15 km, the hypotenuse labeled 17 km, and the other leg labeled b)

Explanation:

Step1: Apply Pythagorean theorem

For a right triangle, $a^2 + b^2 = c^2$, where $c=17$ km, $a=15$ km. Rearrange to solve for $b$:
$b^2 = c^2 - a^2$

Step2: Substitute known values

$b^2 = 17^2 - 15^2 = 289 - 225$

Step3: Calculate and take square root

$b^2 = 64$, so $b = \sqrt{64}$

Answer:

8 kilometers