Question

How to solve pythagorean theorem when a is missing
a=x
b=17
c=15

Answer 1

the Pythagorean theorem is

`a ^(2) + b {}^(2) = c {}^(2)`

so plug in the numbers

`a ^(2) + 17 {}^(2) = 15 {}^(2)`

then square each of the known numbers to get

`a {}^(2) + 289 = 225`

subtract 289 from 225 to get -64

then you are left with

`a {}^(2) = - 64`

then take the square root of -64

to get -8

Answer 2

a^2 = c^2 - b^2

to get A though you need to take the square root.

Explanation:

you need to rearrange the formula to get a by itself.

c^2 = a^2 + b^2

a^2 = c^2 - b^2

to get A though you need to take the square root.