Question

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

Explanation:

Step1: Apply Pythagorean theorem

For a right triangle, $c^2 = a^2 + b^2$, where $c=74$ (hypotenuse), $a=70$ (known leg). Rearrange to solve for $b$:
$b = \sqrt{c^2 - a^2}$

Step2: Substitute given values

$b = \sqrt{74^2 - 70^2}$

Step3: Calculate squares

$74^2 = 5476$, $70^2 = 4900$
$b = \sqrt{5476 - 4900}$

Step4: Compute difference and square root

$b = \sqrt{576} = 24$

Answer:

24 yards