Answer:
15
Step-by-step explanation:
Pythagorean thm. says a^2+b^2=c^2 where a and b are the legs of the triangle and c is the hypotenuse.
The hypotenuse, c = 17
Leg b =8
a^2=c^2-b^2
a^2=17*17-8*8
a^2=289-64
a^2=225
Take the square root of both sides.
a = 15
