hich set of numbers could represent the side length, in inches, of a right triangle

Answers:
4, 8, 12
3, 5, 34
15, 15, 21
10, 24, 26

1 answer

To determine which set of numbers could represent the side lengths of a right triangle, we can use the Pythagorean theorem, which states that for a right triangle with side lengths \(a\), \(b\), and \(c\) (where \(c\) is the hypotenuse), the relationship \(a^2 + b^2 = c^2\) must hold.

Let's evaluate each set of numbers provided:

  1. 4, 8, 12

    • \(4^2 + 8^2 = 16 + 64 = 80\)
    • \(12^2 = 144\)
    • \(80 \neq 144\) (not a right triangle)
  2. 3, 5, 34

    • \(3^2 + 5^2 = 9 + 25 = 34\)
    • \(34^2 = 1156\)
    • \(34 = 34\) (wrong comparison; only one side matches and no further validation)
  3. 15, 15, 21

    • \(15^2 + 15^2 = 225 + 225 = 450\)
    • \(21^2 = 441\)
    • \(450 \neq 441\) (not a right triangle)
  4. 10, 24, 26

    • \(10^2 + 24^2 = 100 + 576 = 676\)
    • \(26^2 = 676\)
    • \(676 = 676\) (matches; this is a right triangle)

Based on this evaluation, the only set of numbers that could represent the side lengths of a right triangle is:

10, 24, 26.