9514 1404 393
Answer:
a = 26 or 21.82
Step-by-step explanation:
If 'a' is the hypotenuse, then ...
a² = b² +c²
a² = 24² +10² = 576 +100 = 676
a = √676 = 26 . . . if 'a' is the hypotenuse
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If 'a' is the long side, then ...
b² = c² + a²
b² -c² = a² = 24² -10² = 576 -100 = 476
a = √476 ≈ 21.82 . . . if 'a' is the long leg
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<em>Comment on the question</em>
The problem statement doesn't tell us what side of the triangle is labeled 'a'. There are two possibilities. An answer has been provided for each. Use the one that applies to the figure you are given.