Question

what is the length of the missing leg? if necessary, round to the nearest tenth.
a = square centimeters
(the triangle is a right triangle with one leg 72 cm, hypotenuse 97 cm, and the other leg a)

Explanation:

Step1: Apply Pythagorean theorem

$$a^2 + 72^2 = 97^2$$

Step2: Isolate $a^2$

$$a^2 = 97^2 - 72^2$$

Step3: Calculate squares and difference

$$a^2 = 9409 - 5184 = 4225$$

Step4: Solve for $a$

$$a = \sqrt{4225}$$

Answer:

65 centimeters