SOLUTION: Find the missing length of the right triangle? I cant draw it, but it says 17 on the downward slant and 15 across the bottom. possible answers are: a) 9 b) 8 c) 6 d) 7

Algebra ->  Triangles -> SOLUTION: Find the missing length of the right triangle? I cant draw it, but it says 17 on the downward slant and 15 across the bottom. possible answers are: a) 9 b) 8 c) 6 d) 7       Log On


   

Question 117999: Find the missing length of the right triangle?
I cant draw it, but it says 17 on the downward slant and 15 across the bottom.
possible answers are:
a) 9
b) 8
c) 6
d) 7
Thank you so much
Answer by Earlsdon(6294) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Find the missing length of the right triangle.
The "downward slant", also known as the hypotenuse in a right triangle, is 17.
The "bottom", also known as the base, is 15.
You can apply the Pythagorean theorem c%5E2+=+a%5E2%2Bb%5E2 to solve this problem.
c is the hypotenuse and this is given as 17.
a is one of the legs and this is given as 15.
b is the other leg whose length is unknown.
c%5E2+=+a%5E2%2Bb%5E2 Substitute c = 17 and a = 15.
17%5E2+=+15%5E2%2Bb%5E2 Square the numbers.
289+=+225%2Bb%5E2 Subtract 225 from both sides.
64+=+b%5E2 Take the square root of both sides.
b+=+8 This is the length of the unknown side.