Final answer:
To find the missing leg L2 of the right triangle, apply the Pythagorean theorem: L2 = √(H² - L1²). With L1 being 2 inches and the hypotenuse H being 3 inches, L2 is √5 inches.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student is asking to solve for the missing leg (L2) of a right triangle, given one leg (L1) and the hypotenuse (H). According to the Pythagorean theorem, the square of the hypotenuse (H) is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two legs (L1 and L2). The formula is: a² + b² = c², where a and b are the legs, and c is the hypotenuse. To solve for L2, you can rearrange the equation to L2 = √(H² - L1²). Substituting the given values, you get L2 = √(3 inches)² - (2 inches)² = √(9 - 4) inches² = √5 inches. Therefore, the length of L2 is √5 inches, which can be approximated using a calculator.