Question

Find the length of a using the Pythagorean theorem

Answer 1

`{a }^(2) + {9}^(2) = {15}^(2) \\ {a}^(2) = - 81 + 225 \\ {a}^(2) = 144 \\ a = √(144 \: ) \\ a = 12`

Answer 2

a = 12

Explanation:

a² + 9² = 15²

a² = 15² - 9²

a² = 225 - 81

a² = 144

take the square root of both sides

a = 12