Question

in a right triangle, a and b are the lengths of the legs and c is the length of the hypotenuse. if a = 7.3 millimeters and b = 5.9 millimeters, what is c? if necessary, round to the nearest tenth.

c = millimeters

Explanation:

Step1: Apply Pythagorean theorem

$$c^2 = a^2 + b^2$$

Step2: Calculate squares of legs

$$a^2 = 7.3^2 = 53.29, \quad b^2 = 5.9^2 = 34.81$$

Step3: Sum the squares

$$c^2 = 53.29 + 34.81 = 88.1$$

Step4: Find square root of sum

$$c = \sqrt{88.1} \approx 9.4$$

Answer:

9.4