Final answer:
To find the value of b in a right triangle, use the Pythagorean theorem and the equation b = √(c² - a²), substituting the given values of a and c.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a right triangle, the lengths of the legs are represented by a and b, and the length of the hypotenuse is represented by c. Using the Pythagorean theorem, which states that a² + b² = c², we can solve for b when the values of a and c are given.
To find the value of b, we can rearrange the equation to b = √(c² - a²). Therefore, to find the value of b, substitute the given values of a and c into the equation and calculate the result.
For example, if a = 3 and c = 5, the equation becomes b = √(5² - 3²) = √(25 - 9) = √16 = 4.