Question

what is the length of the missing leg? if necessary, round to the nearest tenth.
a = square yards
(there is a right triangle with one leg 4 yd, hypotenuse 5 yd, and the other leg labeled a)

Explanation:

Step1: Apply Pythagorean theorem

For a right triangle, $a^2 + b^2 = c^2$, where $c=5$, $b=4$. Rearrange to solve for $a$:
$a^2 = c^2 - b^2$

Step2: Substitute known values

$a^2 = 5^2 - 4^2 = 25 - 16$

Step3: Calculate and take square root

$a^2 = 9$, so $a = \sqrt{9} = 3$

Answer:

3 yards