Question

In a right triangle, if a = 8 and c = 17, what is the correct setup to find the value of b?

Answer 1

Answer:

b =15

Step-by-step explanation:

We can use Pythagoras theorem to find b:

$a^{2}+b^{2} = c^{2}$

$8^{2} + b^{2} = 17^{2}$

64 + $b^{2}$ = 289

64 + 225 = 289

64 + $15^{2}$ = 289

b = 15

hope this helps :) and sorry if not right

Answer 2

Step-by-step explanation:

So let write the Pythagorean Theorem equation out.

a²+b²=c²

So our value of b is 8 and c is 17. So let plug those number into the equation.

a²+8²=17²

Now you square the known value which you will get:

a²+64=289

Subtract 64 from both sides and you get:

a²=225

Square both side:

√a²=√225

When squaring a² inside the house, the exponent of 2 cancel out which is just a.

So the final answer is a = 15

So let double check to ensure that it adds up to 289. If it does not, then somewhere along the way I made a math calculation error.

15²+8²=c²

225+64=c²

289= c²

√289= sqrt(c^2)#

17 = c

So a = 15 work.