Using the pythagorean theorem, how do you solve for the missing side given a = 8 and b = 15?

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Answer 1 · 2017-07-03T02:43:44

See a solution process below:

The Pythagorean Theorem states:

#c^2 = a^2 + b^2#

Or

#c = sqrt(a^2 + b^2)#

Where:

#a# and #b# are the legs of a right triangle.

#c# is the hypotenuse of a right triangle.

Substituting for #a# and #b# and solving for #c# gives:

#c = sqrt(8^2 + 15^2)#

#c = sqrt(64 + 225)#

#c = sqrt(289)#

#17 * 17 = 289#

Therefore:

#c = 17#