Final answer:
To find the length of AC in the right triangle ABC, we can use the Pythagorean theorem. Plugging in the given values, we find that AC ≈ 22.68.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the length of AC in the right triangle ABC, we can use the Pythagorean theorem, which states that the square of the hypotenuse (the side opposite the right angle) is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides.
In this case, the sides AB and BC are given as 17 and 15 respectively. So we can substitute these values into the formula: AC^2 = AB^2 + BC^2.
Plugging in the values, we get AC^2 = 17^2 + 15^2. Evaluating this equation, we find AC = sqrt(289 + 225) = sqrt(514) ≈ 22.68.