Question

a ramp is built in the shape of a right triangle. the hypotenuse of the ramp is 17 feet and the length of one leg is 8 ft. what is the length of the other leg? 16 ft. 13 ft. 15 ft. 14 ft. 12 ft.

Explanation:

Step1: Apply Pythagorean theorem

Let the hypotenuse be $c = 17$ ft and one leg be $a = 8$ ft. The Pythagorean theorem is $a^{2}+b^{2}=c^{2}$, so $b^{2}=c^{2}-a^{2}$.

Step2: Substitute values

$b^{2}=17^{2}-8^{2}=289 - 64=225$.

Step3: Solve for $b$

$b=\sqrt{225}=15$ ft.

Answer:

C. 15 ft.