Question

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?

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