How do I find the answer

We can use the pythagorean theorem to find this answer. [tex]a^2 + b^2 = c^2[/tex] where a and b are the triangle legs and c is the hypotenuse. In this case, we're missing one of the legs.

[tex]7^2 + b^2 = 8^2[/tex]

[tex]49 + b^2 = 64[/tex]

[tex]b^2 = 15[/tex]

[tex] b = \sqrt{15}[/tex]

Therefore, the missing side is approximately is 3.88.

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artsypurplepand artsypurplepand · Answer 2 · 2018-07-18T23:17:45+02:00

You could use the Pythagorean Theorem ([tex] a^{2} +b^{2} =c^{2} [/tex]).

Since the side with length of 8 is opposite to the right angle, it is safe to assume that is the hypotenuse, or "c". You also know that the side with length 7 is either an "a" or "b" (It doesn't really matter what you use to replace though).

So the equation is now [tex] 7^{2} +b^{2} =8^{2} [/tex].

Now you solve for b:

[tex] 7^{2} +b^{2} =8^{2} [/tex] → 49+[tex] c^{2} [/tex]=64 → [tex] c^{2} [/tex]=64-49 → [tex] c^{2} [/tex]=15 → c=[tex] \sqrt{15} [/tex]≈3.87 units.

Hopefully this helps. Have a great day!