Question

Which best explains why this triangle is or is not a right triangle?

Answer 1

D

Explanation:

Using the converse of Pythagoras

If the square of the longest side equals the sum of the squares on the other 2 sides then the triangle is right.

longest side = 39

39² = 1521

36² + 15² = 1296 + 225 = 1521

The triangle is right since 36² + 15² = 39²

Answer 2

This triangle is a right triangle:

36² + 15² = 39².

Explanation:

If a ≤ b <c is the length of the sides of a right triangle, then:

`a^2+b^2=c^2`

We have

`a=15\ in,\ b=36\ in,\ c=39\ in`

Check the equality:

`L_s=15^2+36^2=225+1296=1521`

`R_s=39^2=1521`

`L_s=R_s`

It's a right triangle.