\"\"

\

The lengths of two sides of a right triangle are \"\".

\

To find: side b.

\

Apply Pythagorean theorem: \"a

\

\"\"                        (Substitute 8 for a and 17 for c)

\

\"\"                      (Evaluate powers: \"\")\"\"\"\"      (Subtract 784 from each side)

\

\"\"                               (Subtract: \"\")

\

\"\"                        (Apply square root to each side)

\

\"\"                        (Write \"\")

\

\"\"                                  (Cancel square and root)\"\"

\

The length of the third side \"\".