You can put this solution on YOUR website! Use the Pythagorean theorem, which is . C represents the longest side of the triangle known as the hypotenuse. A and B are the other two legs of the triangle.
To find the hypotenuse, you take the square root of a^2+b^2 as shown here: . 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.
Summary: The Pythagorean Theorem can only be used for right triangles to find the length of any side in a triangle.
I hope this helps! If not, you can always look at lessons for right triangles! :]
