Question

Is the purple triangle a right triangle? Explain.

15.5 m, 14.0m,20.8m

Answer 1

Use the converse of the Pythagorean theorem. Take the largest side as the potential hypotenuse:

15.5^2 + 14.0^2 = 240.25 + 196 = 436.25
20.8^2 = 432.64

Since 436.25 ≠ 432.64, the triangle is not right. Because 15.5^2 + 14^2 > 20.8^2, the triangle is acute (all angles < 90°).