To determine which pair of legs that matches a hypotenuse length to create a right triangle, recall the Pythagorean theorem, which holds that, for a right angle triangle, the square of the hypotenuse (c²) = the sum of the square of each leg length (a² + b²)

Using c² = a² + b², let's find the hypotenuse length for each given pairs of leg.

=>√5 units, √2 units

c² = (√5)² + (√2)²

c² = 5 + 2 = 7

c = √7

The hypothenuse length that matches √5 units, √2 units is √7

=>√3 units, 4 units

c² = (√3)² + (4)²

c² = 3 + 16 = 19

c = √19

This given pair of legs doesn't match any given hypotenuse length

=>2 units, √5 units

c² = (2)² + (√5)²

c² = 4 + 5 = 9

c = √9 = 3

legs 2 units, and √5 units matche hypotenuse length of 3

=>2 units, 2 units

c² = 2² + 2² = 4 + 4

c² = 8

c = √8

Legs 2 units, and 2 units matche hypotenuse length of √8

=> 1 unit, 2 units

c² = 1² + 2² = 1 + 4

c² = 5

c = √5

Leg lengths, 1 unit and 2 units match the hypotenuse length, √5

3 0

3 years ago