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Right Triangles

Rules, Formula and more

Pythagorean Theorem

The sum of the squares of the lengths of the legs equals the square of the length of the hypotenuse .

Usually, this theorem is expressed as $$ A^2 + B^2 = C^2 $$ .

Right Triangle Properties

Right triangle picture

A right triangle has one $$ 90^{\circ} $$ angle ($$ \angle $$ B in the picture on the left) and a variety of often-studied formulas such as:

  • The Pythagorean Theorem
  • Trigonometry Ratios (SOHCAHTOA)
  • Pythagorean Theorem vs Sohcahtoa (which to use)

SOHCAHTOA only applies to right triangles ( more here ) .

sohcahtoa

A Right Triangle's Hypotenuse

The hypotenuse is the largest side in a right triangle and is always opposite the right angle.

Hypotenuse

In the triangle above, the hypotenuse is the side AB which is opposite the right angle, $$ \angle C $$.

Online tool calculates the hypotenuse (or a leg) using the Pythagorean theorem.

Practice Problems

Below are several practice problems involving the Pythagorean theorem, you can also get more detailed lesson on how to use the Pythagorean theorem here .

Find the length of side t in the triangle on the left.

5, 12, 13 right triangle

Substitute the two known sides into the Pythagorean theorem's formula : A² + B² = C²

What is the value of x in the picture on the left?

pythagorean theorem

Set up the Pythagorean Theorem : 14 2 + 48 2 = x 2 2,500 = X 2

$$ x = \sqrt{2500} = 50 $$

Diagram, Pythagorean Theorem

$$ x^2 = 21^2 + 72^2 \\ x^2= 5625 \\ x = \sqrt{5625} \\ x =75 $$

Find the length of side X in the triangle on on the left?

3, 4, 5 right triangle

Substitue the two known sides into the pythagorean theorem's formula : $$ A^2 + B^2 = C^2 \\ 8^2 + 6^2 = x^2 \\ x = \sqrt{100}=10 $$

What is x in the triangle on the left?

pythagorean image

x 2 + 4 2 = 5 2 x 2 + 16 = 25 x 2 = 25 - 16 = 9 x = 3

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IMAGES

  1. 12.2

    12.2 problem solving with right triangles

  2. 12.2

    12.2 problem solving with right triangles

  3. 12.2

    12.2 problem solving with right triangles

  4. PPT

    12.2 problem solving with right triangles

  5. Solving Right Triangles Worksheet

    12.2 problem solving with right triangles

  6. 12.2

    12.2 problem solving with right triangles

VIDEO

  1. Solving Right Triangles (part I)

  2. Lesson 12.2

  3. Solving Right Triangles Section 7 7

  4. 9.6 Solving Right Triangles

  5. Using The Pythagorean Theorem For 2 Connected Right Triangles

  6. Geometry Tips : Solving Special Right Triangles