Question

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20 ft.
12 ft.
b
what is the length of the missing leg? if necessary, round to the nearest tenth.
b = feet
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Explanation:

Step1: Apply Pythagorean theorem

Let hypotenuse $c=20$, one leg $a=12$, missing leg $b$. Theorem: $a^2 + b^2 = c^2$
Rearranged: $b^2 = c^2 - a^2$
Substitute values: $b^2 = 20^2 - 12^2 = 400 - 144 = 256$

Step2: Calculate $b$

Take square root: $b = \sqrt{256} = 16$

Answer:

16