Question

In a right triangle, a and b are the lengths of the legs and c is the length of the hypotenuse.

If a = 6 yards and c = 7 yards, what is b? If necessary, round to the nearest tenth.
yards

Answer 1

Explanation:

The Pythagorean Theorem will be applied:

`c^(2) = a^(2) + b^(2)`

Substituting the values provided in the question:

`7^(2) = 6^(2) + b^(2)`

`= 49 = 36 + b^(2)`

`= 49 - 36 = b^(2)`

`= b^(2) = 13`

Taking the square root on both sides to get rid of the square:

`= \sqrt{b^(2)} = √(13)`

`= b = √(13)` yards

= b = 3.6 yards (Rounded to the nearest tenth)