Question

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

Explanation:

Step1: Apply Pythagorean theorem

For a right triangle, $a^2 + b^2 = c^2$, where $c=20$ km, $a=16$ km. Rearrange to solve for $b$:
$b^2 = c^2 - a^2$

Step2: Substitute known values

$b^2 = 20^2 - 16^2 = 400 - 256 = 144$

Step3: Calculate square root of result

$b = \sqrt{144}$

Answer:

12 kilometers