MAlik is comparing 2 right triangles. Both triangles have a hypotenuse of 13 units. The first triangle has a leg of 12 units and the other triangle has a leg of 5 units. How could Malik prove that the two triangles are congruent? (1 point)

Answer 1

To determine if the two right triangles are congruent, Malik can use the Hypotenuse-Leg (HL) theorem for right triangles. The HL theorem states that if two right triangles have a congruent hypotenuse and one corresponding leg that is also congruent, then the two triangles are congruent.

Here's how Malik can proceed with his proof:

1. Identify the Hypotenuses: Both triangles have a hypotenuse of 13 units, so they are congruent in that regard.

2. Identify the Legs:

   • The first triangle has a leg measuring 12 units.
   • The second triangle has a leg measuring 5 units.

3. Check Congruence of the Legs: The legs of the two triangles are not the same (12 units ≠ 5 units), so they do not have one corresponding leg that is congruent.

Since the triangles do not satisfy the conditions of the HL theorem (having one leg congruent), Malik cannot prove that the two triangles are congruent.

Therefore, the answer is that Malik cannot prove that the two triangles are congruent based on the information provided.