Question

X

Find the missing side.
15
17
× = [ ? ]
Round to the nearest tenth

PLEASE HELP

Answer 1

x = 8

In-depth explanation:

Hi there, to solve this problem we will apply the Pythagorean theorem.

This is a formula that helps us solve for the missing side of a right triangle. And this is important, this formula only works for right triangles.

The formula is:
`\sf{a^2+b^2=c^2}`, where:

• a and b are the legs of the triangle
• c is the hypotenuse (the longest side)

In this case, we have one of the legs (15) and the hypotenuse (17), so we plug in these values:

`\sf{15^2+x^2=17^2}`

Square the numbers on each side:

`\sf{225+x^2=289}`

Subtract 225 from each side:

`\sf{x^2=289-225}`

`\sf{x^2=64}`

Take the square root of each side:

`\sf{x=8}`

Note: x could also be -8 but since we can't have negative side lengths, we will go with x = 8.

Therefore, x = 8.

Answer 2

x = 8

Explanation:

using Pythagoras' identity in the right triangle.

the square on the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares on the other two sides.

here hypotenuse = 17 and other two sides are x and 15 , then

x² + 15² = 17²

x² + 225 = 289 ( subtract 225 from both sides )

x² = 64 ( take square root of both sides )

`√(x^2)` =
`√(64)` , then

x = 8