Question

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

Explanation:

Step1: Recall Pythagorean theorem

For right triangle: $a^2 + b^2 = c^2$, where $c$ is hypotenuse, $a=8$, $c=17$.

Step2: Rearrange to solve for $b$

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

Step3: Substitute values

$b^2 = 17^2 - 8^2 = 289 - 64 = 225$

Step4: Calculate square root

$b = \sqrt{225} = 15$

Answer:

$b = 15$ feet