Answer:
x = √39
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the missing side of a right triangle using the Pythagorean theorem, which states that in a right triangle, the square of the length of the hypotenuse c is equal to the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two sides a and b, we have:
[tex]a^2 + b^2 = c^2[/tex]
Given that [tex]5^2 + x^2 = 8^2[/tex], we can solve for x:
[tex]25 + x^2 = 64[/tex]
Subtract 25 from both sides:
[tex]x^2 = 64 - 25 \\\\x^2 = 39[/tex]
To solve for x, we take the square root of both sides:
[tex]x = \sqrt{39}[/tex]