Answer:
a =
![√(63)](https://img.qammunity.org/2022/formulas/mathematics/high-school/ik6wpdofxr1c7mwcyv6eihluvjm08e1ly5.png)
Explanation:
Using Pythagoras' identity in the right triangle.
The square on the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares on the other 2 sides, that is
a² + 9² = 12²
a² + 81 = 144 ( subtract 81 from both sides )
a² = 63 ( take square root of both sides )
a =
![√(63)](https://img.qammunity.org/2022/formulas/mathematics/high-school/ik6wpdofxr1c7mwcyv6eihluvjm08e1ly5.png)