Question

what is the length of the missing leg? if necessary, round to the nearest tenth.
b = square feet
(right triangle with one leg 45 ft, hypotenuse 53 ft, and the other leg b)

Explanation:

Step1: Apply Pythagorean theorem

For a right triangle, $a^2 + b^2 = c^2$, where $c=53$, $a=45$. Rearrange to solve for $b$:
$b = \sqrt{c^2 - a^2}$

Step2: Substitute known values

$b = \sqrt{53^2 - 45^2}$

Step3: Calculate squared terms

$53^2 = 2809$, $45^2 = 2025$
$b = \sqrt{2809 - 2025}$

Step4: Compute difference and square root

$2809 - 2025 = 784$
$b = \sqrt{784} = 28$

Answer:

28 feet