Question

what is the length of the missing leg? if necessary, round to the nearest tenth. b = millimeters

Explanation:

Step1: Apply Pythagorean theorem

For a right triangle, $c^2 = a^2 + b^2$, rearranged to $b = \sqrt{c^2 - a^2}$ where $c=4.5$ mm, $a=1$ mm.

Step2: Calculate squared values

$c^2 = 4.5^2 = 20.25$, $a^2 = 1^2 = 1$

Step3: Subtract and take square root

$b = \sqrt{20.25 - 1} = \sqrt{19.25} \approx 4.4$

Answer:

4.4 millimeters