For any right triangle, the side lengths of the triangle can be put in the equation a2 + b2 = c2 where a, b, and c are the side lengths. A triangle with the side lengths 3 inches, 4 inches, and 5 inches is a right triangle. Which way (s) can you substitute the values into the equation to make it true? Which variable has to match the longest side length? Why?

Question

Giovani Manning

Mathematics

2 December, 00:37

For any right triangle, the side lengths of the triangle can be put in the equation a2 + b2 = c2 where a, b, and c are the side lengths. A triangle with the side lengths 3 inches, 4 inches, and 5 inches is a right triangle. Which way (s) can you substitute the values into the equation to make it true? Which variable has to match the longest side length? Why?

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Answers (1)

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Hall · Answer 1

Pythagorean theorem:

a² + b² = c²

a is the long leg of the triangle

b is the short leg of the triangle

c is the hypotenuse

side lengths; 3 inches, 4 inches, 5 inches of a right triangle.

a = 4 inches

b = 3 inches

c = 5 inches

4² + 3² = 5²

16 + 9 = 25

25 = 25