Question

what is the length of the hypotenuse? if necessary, round to the nearest tenth.

c = \boxed{} feet

Explanation:

Step1: Apply Pythagorean theorem

For a right triangle, \( c^2 = a^2 + b^2 \), where \( a = 4.5 \) ft, \( b = 5.3 \) ft. So \( c^2 = 4.5^2 + 5.3^2 \).
Calculate \( 4.5^2 = 20.25 \), \( 5.3^2 = 28.09 \). Then \( c^2 = 20.25 + 28.09 = 48.34 \).

Step2: Find the square root

Take the square root of \( 48.34 \) to get \( c \). \( c = \sqrt{48.34} \approx 6.9527 \), round to the nearest tenth: \( c \approx 7.0 \).

Answer:

\( 7.0 \)