Question

find the length of the third side. if necessary, round to the nearest tenth.

Explanation:

Step1: Identify Pythagorean theorem

For right triangle: $a^2 + b^2 = c^2$, where $c=17$, $a=8$, solve for $b$.

Step2: Rearrange formula for unknown side

$b = \sqrt{c^2 - a^2}$

Step3: Substitute values into formula

$b = \sqrt{17^2 - 8^2} = \sqrt{289 - 64} = \sqrt{225}$

Step4: Calculate square root

$\sqrt{225} = 15$

Answer:

15