Checking the Pythagorean Theorem

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 54 views

Introduction

A right triangle is a triangle with one right angle (90 degrees). In a right triangle, the Pythagorean theorem states that the square of the length of the hypotenuse (the side opposite the right angle) is equal to the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two sides. This theorem is often expressed as:

a^2 + b^2 = c^2

where a and b are the lengths of the two sides that form the right angle, and c is the length of the hypotenuse.

Analyzing the Options

We will analyze each option to determine which set of side measurements could be used to form a right triangle.

Option A: 9, 11, 13

To determine if this set of side measurements could form a right triangle, we need to check if the square of the longest side (13) is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides (9 and 11).

Calculating the Squares

9^2 = 81
11^2 = 121
13^2 = 169

Checking the Pythagorean Theorem

We can now check if the square of the longest side (169) is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides (81 + 121).

169 = 81 + 121

This equation is true, so the set of side measurements 9, 11, and 13 could be used to form a right triangle.

Option B: 6, 12, 17

To determine if this set of side measurements could form a right triangle, we need to check if the square of the longest side (17) is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides (6 and 12).

Calculating the Squares

6^2 = 36
12^2 = 144
17^2 = 289

Checking the Pythagorean Theorem

We can now check if the square of the longest side (289) is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides (36 + 144).

289 ≠ 36 + 144

This equation is false, so the set of side measurements 6, 12, and 17 could not be used to form a right triangle.

Option C: √8, 5, √17

To determine if this set of side measurements could form a right triangle, we need to check if the square of the longest side (√17) is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides (√8 and 5).

Calculating the Squares

(√8)^2 = 8
5^2 = 25
(√17)^2 = 17

Checking the Pythagorean Theorem

We can now check if the square of the longest side (17) is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides (8 + 25).

17 = 8 + 25

This equation is true, so the set of side measurements √8, 5, and √17 could be used to form a right triangle.

Option D: √2, √7, 9

To determine if this set of side measurements could form a right triangle, we need to check if the square of the longest side (9) is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides (√2 and √7).

Calculating the Squares

(√2)^2 = 2
(√7)^2 = 7
9^2 = 81

Checking the Pythagorean Theorem

We can now check if the square of the longest side (81) is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides (2 + 7).

81 ≠ 2 + 7

This equation is false, so the set of side measurements √2, √7, and 9 could not be used to form a right triangle.

Conclusion

Q: What is the Pythagorean theorem?

A: The Pythagorean theorem is a mathematical formula that describes the relationship between the lengths of the sides of a right triangle. It states that the square of the length of the hypotenuse (the side opposite the right angle) is equal to the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two sides.

Q: How do I use the Pythagorean theorem to determine if a set of side measurements can form a right triangle?

A: To use the Pythagorean theorem, you need to calculate the squares of the lengths of the two sides that form the right angle and the length of the hypotenuse. Then, you need to check if the square of the length of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two sides.

Q: What are the steps to follow when using the Pythagorean theorem?

A: The steps to follow when using the Pythagorean theorem are:

Identify the lengths of the two sides that form the right angle and the length of the hypotenuse.
Calculate the squares of the lengths of the two sides that form the right angle.
Calculate the square of the length of the hypotenuse.
Check if the square of the length of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two sides.

Q: Can a right triangle have two right angles?

A: No, a right triangle cannot have two right angles. A right triangle by definition has one right angle (90 degrees).

Q: Can a right triangle have a hypotenuse that is one of the sides?

A: No, a right triangle cannot have a hypotenuse that is one of the sides. The hypotenuse is the side opposite the right angle, and it is always the longest side of the triangle.

Q: Can a right triangle have sides with negative lengths?

A: No, a right triangle cannot have sides with negative lengths. The lengths of the sides of a triangle must be positive numbers.

Q: Can a right triangle have sides with fractional lengths?

A: Yes, a right triangle can have sides with fractional lengths. For example, a right triangle with sides of length 3/4, 5/4, and 7/4 is a valid right triangle.

Q: Can a right triangle have sides with irrational lengths?

A: Yes, a right triangle can have sides with irrational lengths. For example, a right triangle with sides of length √2, √3, and √5 is a valid right triangle.

Q: Can a right triangle have sides with lengths that are not integers?

A: Yes, a right triangle can have sides with lengths that are not integers. For example, a right triangle with sides of length 2.5, 3.5, and 4.5 is a valid right triangle.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Pythagorean theorem is a powerful tool for determining if a set of side measurements can form a right triangle. By following the steps outlined above, you can use the Pythagorean theorem to solve a wide range of problems involving right triangles.