SOLUTION: why cant the hypotenuse of a right triangle be 20 meters when the legs are 11 and 5 metes

Algebra ->  Triangles -> SOLUTION: why cant the hypotenuse of a right triangle be 20 meters when the legs are 11 and 5 metes      Log On


   

Question 460180: why cant the hypotenuse of a right triangle be 20 meters when the legs are 11 and 5 metes
Answer by Alan3354(69443) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
If you cut pieces of string, you'll see it can't be any triangle, not just a right triangle.
The hyp of legs 5 and 11 = sqrt%2811%5E2+%2B+5%5E2%29+=+sqrt%28136%29, not 20.
The 11 and 5 pieces will lie next to the 20 piece and not form a triangle.
It's worthwhile to cut string or straws or something to see this.