SOLUTION: how to determine whether the given lengths can be side lengths of a right angle. numbers are 8, 15, and 17

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Question 965405: how to determine whether the given lengths can be side lengths of a right angle. numbers are 8, 15, and 17
Answer by macston(5194) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
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For a right triangle with legs a and b and hypotenuse c:
a%5E2%2Bb%5E2=c%5E2
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Let a=8, b=15 and c=17 (hypotenuse is always longest):
8%5E2%2B15%5E2=17%5E2
64%2B225=289
289=289
ANSWER: 8, 15 and 17 can be the side lengths of a right triangle.