SOLUTION: I don't know how to solve a problem like this 9^2 + b^2 = 8^2 How do i solve for the b? Do i take the square root of c? or do i square it?

Algebra ->  Pythagorean-theorem -> SOLUTION: I don't know how to solve a problem like this 9^2 + b^2 = 8^2 How do i solve for the b? Do i take the square root of c? or do i square it?      Log On


   

Question 244323: I don't know how to solve a problem like this
9^2 + b^2 = 8^2
How do i solve for the b? Do i take the square root of c? or do i square it?
Answer by stanbon(75887) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
9^2 + b^2 = 8^2
How do i solve for the b?
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b^2 = 8^2 - 9^2
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b^2 = 64 - 81
b^2 = -17
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b^2+17 = 0
(b+isqrt(17))(b-isqrt(17)) = 0
b = -isqrt(17) or b = isqrt(17)
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Cheers,
Stan H.