Question

Which side lengths would form a right triangle?

Answer 1

To determine if three given side lengths can form a right triangle, you can use the Pythagorean theorem. For a triangle with sides \(a\), \(b\), and \(c\) (where \(c\) is the longest side), they will form a right triangle if the following condition is satisfied:

\[ a^2 + b^2 = c^2 \]

If you have specific lengths in mind, just identify the longest length and check if the square of that length equals the sum of the squares of the other two lengths.

For example, consider the lengths 3, 4, and 5:
1. Identify the longest side: 5
2. Check the Pythagorean theorem:
- \(3^2 + 4^2 = 9 + 16 = 25\)
- \(5^2 = 25\)

Since both sides are equal, these lengths do indeed form a right triangle.

If you provide specific lengths, I can help determine if they can form a right triangle!