Question

pre - algebra ic sem 2 fall 2025
square roots and right
triangles
which equation can be used to find the unknown length, a, in this triangle?
$a + 15^{2}=17^{2}$
$a^{2}+15 = 17^{2}$
$15^{2}+17^{2}=a^{2}$
$a^{2}+15^{2}=17^{2}$

Explanation:

Step1: Apply Pythagorean theorem

For a right - triangle, \(a^{2}+b^{2}=c^{2}\), where \(c\) is the hypotenuse and \(a\), \(b\) are the legs.

Step2: Identify sides

Here, \(a\) is one leg, \(b = 15\) (another leg), and \(c = 17\) (hypotenuse).
Substitute into the formula: \(a^{2}+15^{2}=17^{2}\)

Answer:

\(a^{2}+15^{2}=17^{2}\) (the fourth option)