Question

I need help using the Pythagorean theorem

Answer 1

So the Pythagorean Theorem is a^2 + b^2 = c^2. The error in the problem is that each term was multiplied by 2 instead of being squared. So the problem should be:

28^2 + 45^2 = 53^2
784 + 2025 = 2809
2809 = 2809

So the sides given do actually form a right triangle.

Answer 2

The biggest side should be the hypotenuse in a right triangle. 

In the Pythagorean theorem, side^2 + side^2 = hypotenuse^2

28^2 + 45^2 = 53^2 if these lengths create a right triangle.

Since 28^2 + 45^2 = 2809 and 53^2 = 2809, these sides do in fact form a right triangle.