Final answer:
Using the Pythagorean theorem, the length of the other leg b of the right triangle, given the leg a = 7.2 and hypotenuse c = 11.1, is approximately 8.4 to the nearest tenth.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the length of the other leg, b, of a right triangle when you know one leg, a, and the hypotenuse, c, you can use the Pythagorean theorem. The theorem states that in a right-angled triangle the square of the length of the hypotenuse c is equal to the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two sides a and b: a² + b² = c².
We have values a = 7.2 and c = 11.1. We can rearrange the formula to solve for b:
- b² = c² - a²
- b² = (11.1)² - (7.2)²
- b² = 123.21 - 51.84
- b² = 71.37
- b = √71.37
- b ≈ 8.4 (to the nearest tenth)
Therefore, the length of the other leg b is approximately 8.4 to the nearest tenth. The forces in the pair are pulling at right angles to each other if they satisfy this condition.