Final answer:
To find the measure of b, we use the Pythagorean theorem, rearranging the equation and solving for b where b2 = 292 - 202, resulting in b = 21.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student is asking to solve for b in the given equation 292 + b2 = 202. This is an application of the Pythagorean theorem, which relates the sides of a right-angled triangle. To find the value of b, we would rearrange the equation as follows:
b2 = 202 - 292
Since 29 is larger than 20, we will get a negative result if we proceed this way, indicating a mistake. We should correct the order of the operation to:
b2 = 292 - 202
Now, we calculate the squares:
b2 = 841 - 400
b2 = 441
We then find the positive square root of b2 since a side length cannot be negative:
b = √441
b = 21
Therefore, the measure of b is 21. It's important to remember that if the initial equation were representing the context of a physical scenario, such as triangle sides, negative results would imply an error in the arrangement of the equation.