Question

what is the length of the missing leg? if necessary, round to the nearest tenth.
a = \square yards

Explanation:

Step1: Apply Pythagorean theorem

For a right triangle, $c^2 = a^2 + b^2$, where $c=15$, $b=9$. Rearrange to solve for $a$:
$a = \sqrt{c^2 - b^2}$

Step2: Substitute known values

$a = \sqrt{15^2 - 9^2}$

Step3: Calculate squared terms

$a = \sqrt{225 - 81}$

Step4: Simplify the radicand

$a = \sqrt{144}$

Step5: Compute square root

$a = 12$

Answer:

12 yards