Answer:
16 units
Explanation:
Using the Pythagorean theorem, we can find 1/2 the length of b. We will call it x
15^2 + (x)^2 = 17^2
225 + x^2= 289
Subtract 225 from each side
x^2 = 289-225
x^2 =64
Take the square root of each side
sqrt(x^2) = sqrt(64)
x =8
This is one half the length of b
b= 2*8
b = 16