SOLUTION: How do you find the unknown lenght of a leg given the lenghts of the hypotenuse and the other leg?

Algebra ->  Algebra  -> Customizable Word Problem Solvers  -> Geometry -> SOLUTION: How do you find the unknown lenght of a leg given the lenghts of the hypotenuse and the other leg?      Log On

Ad: Over 600 Algebra Word Problems at edhelper.com
Ad: Algebra Solved!™: algebra software solves algebra homework problems with step-by-step help!
Ad: Algebrator™ solves your algebra problems and provides step-by-step explanations!

   

Question 25679: How do you find the unknown lenght of a leg given the lenghts of the hypotenuse and the other leg?
Answer by elima(1433) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
By using the pythagorean theorem;
a%5E2+b%5E2=c%5E2
Where a & b are legs and c is the hypotenuse, is all you do is plug in the given amounts and then solve for the unknown.
ex;
a=9
b=?
c=15
9%5E2+b=15%5E2
81+b=225
b=225-81
b=144
sqrt%28144%29=12
So b=12
Hope you understand
=)