Question

In a right triangle, if a = 8 and c = 17, what is the correct setup to find the value of b?

Answer 1

b = 15

Explanation:

Assuming that the question is referring c as the hypothenuse, the Pythegorean theorem states:
.

Thus,
.

So b is 15.

Answer 2

Answer: b = 15

Explanation:

Here, we need to know the formula for the relationship between the three sides of the right triangle: a² + b² = c².

• a and b are legs
• c is hypotenuse

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Given

a = 8

c = 17

Solve

a² + b² = c²

(8)² + b² = (17)²

64 + b² = 289

b² = 225

b = √225

b = 15

Hope this helps!! :)

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