Question

what is the length of the missing leg? if necessary, round to the nearest tenth.
b = \square centimeters

Explanation:

Step1: Apply Pythagorean theorem

$$a^2 + b^2 = c^2$$
Here, $c=75$ cm, $a=72$ cm, solve for $b$:
$$b^2 = c^2 - a^2$$

Step2: Substitute known values

$$b^2 = 75^2 - 72^2$$
$$b^2 = 5625 - 5184$$

Step3: Calculate and take square root

$$b^2 = 441$$
$$b = \sqrt{441}$$

Answer:

21 centimeters