Exploring the Ratio of the Longer Leg to the Hypotenuse

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 17 views

Introduction

In the realm of geometry, triangles are fundamental shapes that have been extensively studied and utilized in various mathematical and real-world applications. Among the different types of triangles, the 30-60-90 triangle is a special right-angled triangle with unique properties that make it an essential concept to grasp. In this article, we will delve into the characteristics of 30-60-90 triangles and explore the possible ratios of the length of the longer leg to the length of its hypotenuse.

Understanding 30-60-90 Triangles

A 30-60-90 triangle is a right-angled triangle with one angle measuring 30 degrees and the other angle measuring 60 degrees. The side opposite the 30-degree angle is called the shorter leg, the side opposite the 60-degree angle is called the longer leg, and the side opposite the right angle is called the hypotenuse. The 30-60-90 triangle has a specific ratio of side lengths, which is 1:√3:2, where the shorter leg is 1 unit, the longer leg is √3 units, and the hypotenuse is 2 units.

Properties of 30-60-90 Triangles

The 30-60-90 triangle has several properties that make it an interesting and useful shape. Some of the key properties include:

Angle measurements: The 30-60-90 triangle has one angle measuring 30 degrees, one angle measuring 60 degrees, and one angle measuring 90 degrees.
Side ratios: The side lengths of the 30-60-90 triangle are in the ratio 1:√3:2.
Right angle: The 30-60-90 triangle is a right-angled triangle, meaning that one of its angles is 90 degrees.

Exploring the Ratio of the Longer Leg to the Hypotenuse

Now that we have a good understanding of the properties of 30-60-90 triangles, let's explore the possible ratios of the length of the longer leg to the length of its hypotenuse. We can use the side ratio 1:√3:2 to find the ratio of the longer leg to the hypotenuse.

Calculating the Ratio

To calculate the ratio of the longer leg to the hypotenuse, we can use the side ratio 1:√3:2. Since the longer leg is √3 units and the hypotenuse is 2 units, the ratio of the longer leg to the hypotenuse is:

√3:2

Simplifying the Ratio

We can simplify the ratio √3:2 by dividing both sides by √3. This gives us:

1:2/√3

Rationalizing the Denominator

To rationalize the denominator, we can multiply both sides by √3/√3. This gives us:

1:(2√3)/3

Simplifying the Ratio

We can simplify the ratio (2√3)/3 by multiplying both sides by 1/√3. This gives us:

2√3/3:1

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ratio of the length of the longer leg of a 30-60-90 triangle to the length of its hypotenuse is 2√3/3:1. This ratio is a fundamental property of 30-60-90 triangles and is essential to understand in geometry and mathematics.

Checking the Options

Now that we have found the ratio of the longer leg to the hypotenuse, let's check the options provided:

A. 2: 2√2: This option is not correct because the ratio of the longer leg to the hypotenuse is 2√3/3:1, not 2:2√2.
B. 1: √2: This option is not correct because the ratio of the longer leg to the hypotenuse is 2√3/3:1, not 1:√2.
C. 2√3/3:1: This option is correct because the ratio of the longer leg to the hypotenuse is indeed 2√3/3:1.

Final Answer

The final answer is:

C. 2√3/3:1