Question

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8.9 cm
8.7 cm
what is the length of the missing leg? if necessary, round to the nearest tenth.
a = centimeters
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Explanation:

Step1: Apply Pythagorean theorem

For a right triangle, \( c^2 = a^2 + b^2 \), where \( c \) is hypotenuse, \( a,b \) are legs. Here, \( c = 8.9 \), \( b = 8.7 \), solve for \( a \): \( a^2 = c^2 - b^2 \)
\( a^2 = 8.9^2 - 8.7^2 \)

Step2: Calculate squares

\( 8.9^2 = 79.21 \), \( 8.7^2 = 75.69 \)

Step3: Subtract and take square root

\( a^2 = 79.21 - 75.69 = 3.52 \)
\( a = \sqrt{3.52} \approx 1.9 \)

Answer:

1.9