Question 844667: I have to decide if a triangle is acute, obtuse, or right. The numbers are 8, (8 square root of 3), and 16. I have worked it 2 ways and am having trouble with the (8 square root of 3). The first way is on the calculator, if I type 3 (square root sign) X 8 I get 13.9, but if I hit square root of 3, I get 1.7 and then hit X 8, it is 13.6. Just the .3 difference in the 2 answers changes whether it is acute or obtuse, and I don't know which way is correct. Thank you in advance for your help.
Answer by Alan3354(69443)   (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website! I have to decide if a triangle is acute, obtuse, or right. The numbers are 8, (8 square root of 3), and 16. I have worked it 2 ways and am having trouble with the (8 square root of 3). The first way is on the calculator, if I type 3 (square root sign) X 8 I get 13.9, but if I hit square root of 3, I get 1.7 and then hit X 8, it is 13.6. Just the .3 difference in the 2 answers changes whether it is acute or obtuse, and I don't know which way is correct. Thank you in advance for your help.
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8*sqrt(3) =~ 13.8564
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Check the squares of the 3 sides.
c = longest side
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If c^2 > a^2 + b^2 it's obtuse
If c^2 = a^2 + b^2 it's a right triangle
If c^2 < a^2 + b^2 it's acute
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