Key Properties of the Pythagorean Theorem

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 47 views

Introduction

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. In this article, we will explore which of the following options cannot be the measures of sides of a right triangle.

Understanding the Pythagorean Theorem

The Pythagorean theorem is a fundamental concept in geometry and trigonometry. It is used to calculate the length of the hypotenuse of a right triangle when the lengths of the other two sides are known. The theorem is named after the ancient Greek philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras, who is credited with its discovery. The Pythagorean theorem has numerous applications in various fields, including physics, engineering, and computer science.

Key Properties of the Pythagorean Theorem

The theorem states that the square of the length of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two sides.
The theorem only applies to right triangles, where one angle is 90 degrees.
The theorem can be used to calculate the length of the hypotenuse, as well as the lengths of the other two sides.

Selecting the Correct Options

Now that we have a good understanding of the Pythagorean theorem, let's examine the options and determine which ones cannot be the measures of sides of a right triangle.

Option 1: 3, 4, 5

The lengths 3, 4, and 5 form a Pythagorean triple, where 3 and 4 are the lengths of the two sides that form the right angle, and 5 is the length of the hypotenuse.
This option satisfies the Pythagorean theorem, as 3^2 + 4^2 = 5^2.

Option 2: 5, 12, 13

The lengths 5, 12, and 13 form a Pythagorean triple, where 5 and 12 are the lengths of the two sides that form the right angle, and 13 is the length of the hypotenuse.
This option satisfies the Pythagorean theorem, as 5^2 + 12^2 = 13^2.

Option 3: 7, 24, 25

The lengths 7, 24, and 25 form a Pythagorean triple, where 7 and 24 are the lengths of the two sides that form the right angle, and 25 is the length of the hypotenuse.
This option satisfies the Pythagorean theorem, as 7^2 + 24^2 = 25^2.

Option 4: 9, 16, 20

The lengths 9, 16, and 20 do not form a Pythagorean triple, as 9^2 + 16^2 ≠ 20^2.
This option does not satisfy the Pythagorean theorem.

Option 5: 10, 24, 26

The lengths 10, 24, and 26 do not form a Pythagorean triple, as 10^2 + 24^2 ≠ 26^2.
This option does not satisfy the Pythagorean theorem.

Option 6: 15, 20, 25

The lengths 15, 20, and 25 form a Pythagorean triple, where 15 and 20 are the lengths of the two sides that form the right angle, and 25 is the length of the hypotenuse.
This option satisfies the Pythagorean theorem, as 15^2 + 20^2 = 25^2.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the options that cannot be the measures of sides of a right triangle are:

Option 4: 9, 16, 20
Option 5: 10, 24, 26

These options do not satisfy the Pythagorean theorem, and therefore cannot be the measures of sides of a right triangle. The other options, 3, 4, 5; 5, 12, 13; 7, 24, 25; and 15, 20, 25, all satisfy the Pythagorean theorem and can be the measures of sides of a right triangle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Pythagorean theorem?

Q: What are the key properties of the Pythagorean theorem?

A: The key properties of the Pythagorean theorem are that it only applies to right triangles, where one angle is 90 degrees, and it can be used to calculate the length of the hypotenuse, as well as the lengths of the other two sides.

Q: How do I determine if a set of numbers can be the measures of sides of a right triangle?

A: To determine if a set of numbers can be the measures of sides of a right triangle, you can use the Pythagorean theorem. If the square of the length of the longest side is equal to the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two sides, then the set of numbers can be the measures of sides of a right triangle.

References

"The Pythagorean Theorem" by Math Is Fun
"Pythagorean Triples" by Wolfram MathWorld
"Right Triangles" by Khan Academy

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored the concept of the Pythagorean theorem and how it can be used to determine if a set of numbers can be the measures of sides of a right triangle. We also examined several options and determined which ones cannot be the measures of sides of a right triangle. In this article, we will continue to answer some of the most frequently asked questions related to this topic.

Q&A

Q: What is the Pythagorean theorem?

A: The Pythagorean theorem is a fundamental concept in geometry and trigonometry that states that the square of the length of the hypotenuse of a right triangle is equal to the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two sides. This can be expressed mathematically 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.

Q: What are the key properties of the Pythagorean theorem?

Q: How do I determine if a set of numbers can be the measures of sides of a right triangle?

Q: What are some examples of Pythagorean triples?

A: Some examples of Pythagorean triples include:

3, 4, 5
5, 12, 13
7, 24, 25
15, 20, 25

These are just a few examples of the many Pythagorean triples that exist.

Q: Can a right triangle have two sides of equal length?

A: Yes, a right triangle can have two sides of equal length. In this case, the triangle is called an isosceles right triangle.

Q: Can a right triangle have all three sides of equal length?

A: No, a right triangle cannot have all three sides of equal length. This is because the Pythagorean theorem states that the square of the length of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two sides, which means that the hypotenuse must be longer than the other two sides.

Q: How do I calculate the length of the hypotenuse of a right triangle?

A: To calculate the length of the hypotenuse of a right triangle, you can use the Pythagorean theorem. If you know the lengths of the other two sides, you can plug them into the equation a^2 + b^2 = c^2, where c is the length of the hypotenuse.

Q: Can I use the Pythagorean theorem to calculate the length of a side of a right triangle if I know the length of the hypotenuse?

A: Yes, you can use the Pythagorean theorem to calculate the length of a side of a right triangle if you know the length of the hypotenuse. If you know the length of the hypotenuse and one of the other two sides, you can plug them into the equation a^2 + b^2 = c^2, where c is the length of the hypotenuse, and solve for the unknown side.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Pythagorean theorem is a fundamental concept in geometry and trigonometry that can be used to determine if a set of numbers can be the measures of sides of a right triangle. We have answered some of the most frequently asked questions related to this topic, and provided examples of Pythagorean triples and explained how to calculate the length of the hypotenuse of a right triangle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Pythagorean theorem?

Q: What are the key properties of the Pythagorean theorem?

Q: How do I determine if a set of numbers can be the measures of sides of a right triangle?

References

"The Pythagorean Theorem" by Math Is Fun
"Pythagorean Triples" by Wolfram MathWorld
"Right Triangles" by Khan Academy