SOLUTION: How do you figure out if a triangle is a right triangle using only the lengths of each side.

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Question 554074: How do you figure out if a triangle is a right triangle using only the lengths of each side.
Found 2 solutions by josmiceli, rapaljer:
Answer by josmiceli(19441) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Suppose the sides are a,b, and c
and suppose c is the longest side. Then, if
this is a right triangle, it will always be true
that +a%5E2+%2B+b%5E2+=+c%5E2+
This is true in the case where
+a+=+3+
+b+=+4+
+c+=+5+
+3%5E2+%2B+4%5E2++=+5%5E2+
+9+%2B+16+=+25+
+25+=+25+
------------
Likewise, if +a%5E2+%2B+b%5E2+=+c%5E2+ is NOT
true, then it's not a right triangle.

Answer by rapaljer(4671) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Where 'a' and 'b' are legs, and 'c' is the hypotenuse of a triangle, if a%5E2%2Bb%5E2=c%5E2, then the triangle is a right triangle.

You may want to see my FREE website for additional explanation on the Theorem of Pythagoras. The easiest way to find the website is to use the easy-to-remember and easy-to-spell link www.mathinlivingcolor.com. Near the bottom of this page is a link that takes you to my Homepage.

On my Homepage, look for the link "Basic, Intermediate, and College Algebra: One Step at a Time." Choose "Basic Algebra" and look in "Chapter 2" for the "Section 2.10 Theorem of Pythagoras," or in "Intermediate Algebra" in Chapter 4. I think you will really like the "Math in Living Color" pages that go with these sections.

If you need to contact me, send me an Email at rapaljer@seminolestate.edu.

Dr. Robert J. Rapalje, Retired
Seminole State College of Florida
Altamonte Springs Campus