Question

what is the length of the missing leg? if necessary, round to the nearest tenth.
$b = \square$ centimeters

Explanation:

Step1: Apply Pythagorean theorem

For a right triangle, $a^2 + b^2 = c^2$, where $c$ is the hypotenuse, $a=5$ cm, $c=6$ cm. Rearrange to solve for $b$:
$b^2 = c^2 - a^2$

Step2: Substitute known values

$b^2 = 6^2 - 5^2 = 36 - 25 = 11$

Step3: Calculate square root of 11

$b = \sqrt{11} \approx 3.3166$

Step4: Round to nearest tenth

Round $3.3166$ to one decimal place.

Answer:

3.3 centimeters