Hi, 

Let x represent the length of one of the legs, then (21-x) would be the other leg

Applying the Pythagorean Theorem

x^2 + (21-x)^2 = 15^2

x^2 + 441 - 42x + x^2 = 225

2x^2 -42x + 216 = 0

x^2 -21x + 108 = 0

(x-12)(x-9) = 0

x= 12

x= 9



legs are 9in and 12in  (21in - 9in) 

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