To determine if a triangle with sides 7, 10, and 12 can be a right triangle, we can use the Pythagorean theorem. The theorem states that in a right triangle, the square of the length of the hypotenuse (the longest side) is equal to the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two sides.
- Identify the sides: The sides are 7, 10, and 12. The longest side is 12.
- Apply the Pythagorean theorem:
- Hypotenuse (c) = 12 → \( c^2 = 12^2 = 144 \)
- Other sides (a and b) = 7 and 10 → \( a^2 + b^2 = 7^2 + 10^2 = 49 + 100 = 149 \)
Now we compare \( c^2 \) and \( a^2 + b^2 \):
- \( c^2 = 144 \)
- \( a^2 + b^2 = 149 \)
Since \( 144 \neq 149 \), the triangle with sides 7, 10, and 12 cannot be a right triangle.
The correct response is: No, because 149 does not equal 144.