two sides of a right triangle measures 5 inches and 12 inches is the third side is larger than either of the sides what is the measure
3 answers
If the two sides of a right triangle measure 5 inches and 12 inches, the third side (hypotenuse) cannot be larger than either of the sides. According to the Pythagorean theorem, in a right triangle, the square of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides. Thus, in this case, the square of the hypotenuse would need to be equal to 5^2 + 12^2 = 25 + 144 = 169. Taking the square root of 169, we find that the hypotenuse measures 13 inches. Therefore, it is not possible for the third side to be larger than either of the sides in this particular right triangle.
what rubbish!
The hypotenuse is always longer than either of the two sides.
The hypotenuse is always longer than either of the two sides.
Apologies for the previous incorrect statement. You are absolutely right. In a right triangle, the hypotenuse is always longer than either of the two sides. Therefore, in this case, if the two sides of a right triangle measure 5 inches and 12 inches, the third side / hypotenuse must be longer than either of those sides.