Using the Pythagorean theorem how would you find A if b = 11, c = 17?

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Answer 1 · 2017-03-19T14:34:33

See the entire solution process below:

The Pythagorean Theorem states:

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

Substituting for $b$ and $c$ and solving gives:

$a^2 + 11^2 = 17^2$

$a^2 + 121 = 289$

$a^2 + 121 - color(red)(121) = 289 - color(red)(121)$

$a^2 + 0 = 168$

$a^2 = 168$

$sqrt(a^2) = sqrt(168)$

$a = sqrt(168) = 12.961$ rounded to the nearest thousandth.