document.write( "Question 289824: how do i find the length of a hypotenuse of a right triangle? \n" ); document.write( "

Algebra.Com's Answer #209826 by j1mmy94(14) $\"\"$ $\"About$

You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Use the Pythagorean theorem, which is $\"+a%5E2%2Bb%5E2=c%5E2+\"$ . C represents the longest side of the triangle known as the hypotenuse. A and B are the other two legs of the triangle.\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "To find the hypotenuse, you take the square root of a^2+b^2 as shown here: $\"+sqrt%28a%5E2%2Bb%5E2%29+\"$ . When you take the square root of a positive integer, there will be a negative and positive solution. However, we are talking about lengths of a side of a triangle. A length CAN'T be negative, therefore we only use the positive solution of the square root.\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "Summary: The Pythagorean Theorem can only be used for right triangles to find the length of any side in a triangle.\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "I hope this helps! If not, you can always look at lessons for right triangles! :] \n" ); document.write( "

\n" );