In the problem, two legs measurement were given such as:
Leg 1 = 12 inches
Leg 2 = 15 inches
We need to solve for the third leg. Since it is a right triangle, we can use Pythagorean theorem in solving the missing leg:
c²=b²+a²
When we assume that the third leg is the "c", we can for the value such as:
c² = 12²+15²
c=19.21
When we assume that the third is either "a" or "b":
15² =a² + 12²
a=9
Then, the possible measurement of the third leg is 9 or 19.21.
The difference between the two possible answer is shown below:
Difference = 19.21 -9 = 10.21
Difference =10.21