Use the Pythagorean Theorem to find the missing side of the triangle. Round to the nearest tenth, if necessary.
a = ?, b = 5, c = 8

Question

Use the Pythagorean Theorem to find the missing side of the triangle. Round to the nearest tenth, if necessary. 
a = ?, b = 5, c = 8

anonymous · Answer

which sides of the triangles correspond to a, b, c?

amistre64 · Answer

and how are we to know the pythag will even work?

anonymous · Answer

Yeah, how will we know that this is a right triangle?

anonymous · Answer

The equation for the Pythagorean Theorem is a^2+b^2=c^2 so just input the numbers
a^2+25=64 
a^2+25-25=64-25 subtract 25 from both sides
a^2=39 square root both sides
a=6.24499 round to the nearest tenth
it should equal 6.2,
but I would have to agree with the others somewhat make sure you state whether the triangle is a right triangle or not as the Pythagorean Theorem doesn't work with any other type of triangle

anonymous · Answer

a = √ (8² - 5²)  = √39 = 6.2