Question

What is the best first step in solving the formula for b​

Answer 1

see explanation

Explanation:

given

c =
`√(a^2+b^2)`

The first step is to square both sides, giving ← best first step

c² = (
`√(a^2+b^2)`)², that is

c² = a² + b² ( subtract a² from both sides )

c² - a² = b² ← take the square root of both sides

b =
`√(c^2-a^2)`