Question

In a right triangle, the side c opposite the right angle is called the hypotenuse, and the other two sides a and b are called legs.

A right triangle with sides a, b, and hypotenuse c.
The Pythagorean theorem states that in any right triangle, the lengths of the three sides are related by the equation c squared = a squared + b squared. Use the Pythagorean theorem to answer the following question.
One leg of a right triangle measures 8 inches and the hypotenuse 17 inches. Determine the length of the other leg.
a.
9 inches
b.
13 inches
c.
15 inches
d.
17 inches

Answer 1

For my opinion I think the answer is d

Answer 2

The answer is C. 15 inches.

Pythagorean theorem:
`a^2 + b^2 = c^2`

We already know two values:
`8^2 + b^2 = 17^2`

Simplify:

`64 + b^2 = 289`

`b^2 = 225`

`b = 15`