Answer:
D.) 8
Step-by-step explanation:
You can use the Pythagorean theorem because this is a right triangle:
[tex]a^2+b^2=c^2[/tex]
a and b are the legs and c is the hypotenuse. The hypotenuse is always the longest side in a right triangle (since it is opposite the biggest angle). The two legs squared have to add up to the hypotenuse squared.
Fill in values:
[tex]a^2+15^2=17^2[/tex]
Simplify exponents:
[tex]a^2+225=289[/tex]
Isolate the variable. Subtract 225 from both sides:
[tex]a^2+225-225=289-225\\a^2=64[/tex]
Find the square root of both sides:
[tex]\sqrt{a^2}=\sqrt{64}\\ a=8[/tex]
The missing leg length is 8.
