A right triangle is a triangle with one angle measuring 90°.
In a right triangle, the sides are related by Pythagorean 
Theorem, c² = a² + b², where c is the hypotenuse (the side 
opposite the 90° angle). Find the hypotenuse when the other 
2 sides’ measurements are 6 feet and 8 feet.
Answer:  
Show work in this space 


Substitute 6 for a and 8 for b

c² = a² + b²
c² = 6² + 8²
c² = 36 + 64
c² = 100

 Now take the square root of both sides:
  __      ___
Öc² = Ö100
  c = 10

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Notice that you could have substituted 8 for a and 6 for b
and gotten the same thing:

Substitute 8 for a and 6 for b

c² = a² + b²
c² = 8² + 6²
c² = 64 + 36
c² = 100

Now take the square root of both sides:
  __      ___
Öc² = Ö100
  c = 10

It doesn't matter which leg is called "a" and which one is called "b",
but it does matter which side is called "c", because c is always the 
longest side, and also the side which is opposite the 90° angle.

Edwin