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Question

A triangle with sides measuring 8, 15 and 17 units is inscribed in a circle. What is the radius of the circle, in units? Express your answer as a decimal to the nearest tenth.

Accepted Answer

An 8-15-17 triangle is always right. It follows that the hypotenuse is a diameter of the circle, and the radius must be half the hypotenuse, or 172 = 8.5.