Answer:
8 inches
Step-by-step explanation:
[tex]a^{2} + b^{2} = c^{2}[/tex]
the two sides of a triangle squared and added together equal the hypotenuse squared
if you divide a rectangle diagonally, it will form two triangles
the diagonal/hypotenuse of the triangle is given, 17 inches.
the length is also given as 15 inches.
[tex]a^{2} + 15^{2} = 17^{2} \\= a^{2} + 225 = 289\\\\a^{2} = 64\\\sqrt{64}=8\\ a = 8 inches[/tex]
