Question

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

Explanation:

Step1: Recall Pythagorean theorem

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

Step2: Rearrange for missing leg

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

Step3: Substitute given values

$c=5$, $b=4$, so $a^2 = 5^2 - 4^2 = 25 - 16 = 9$

Step4: Solve for $a$

$a = \sqrt{9} = 3$

Answer:

3 yards