Question

8.9 yd.
7.1 yd.
b
what is the length of the missing leg? if necessary, round to the nearest tenth.
b = \boxed{} yards

Explanation:

Step1: Recall Pythagorean theorem

For right triangle: $a^2 + b^2 = c^2$, where $c$ is hypotenuse.

Step2: Rearrange for missing leg

$b^2 = c^2 - a^2$

Step3: Substitute given values

$b^2 = 8.9^2 - 7.1^2$
$b^2 = 79.21 - 50.41 = 28.8$

Step4: Solve for b and round

$b = \sqrt{28.8} \approx 5.3$

Answer:

5.3 yards