Question

what is the length of the missing leg? if necessary, round to the nearest tenth.
( a = ) yards

Explanation:

Step1: Apply Pythagorean theorem

Let the hypotenuse $c=15$ yd, known leg $b=9$ yd, missing leg $a$. The theorem is $a^2 + b^2 = c^2$, so rearrange to $a^2 = c^2 - b^2$.

Step2: Substitute values into formula

$a^2 = 15^2 - 9^2 = 225 - 81$

Step3: Calculate the difference

$a^2 = 144$

Step4: Solve for $a$

$a = \sqrt{144}$

Answer:

12 yards