Question

A triangle has sides of lengths 8, 15, and 17. Is it a right triangle? Explain.

Answer 1

Remember that for a triangle to be right, it has to follow the Pythagorus theorem. a^2 + b^2 = c^2

so 8^2 + 15^2 = 17^2

if this doesn't equal to each other, it can't be a right triangle.

but it does so it is a right triangle

Answer 2

Apply the Pythagorean Theorem.

a^2 + b^2 = c^2
The largest side is always C.
so 8^2 + 15^2 = 17^2
64 + 225 = 289

The equation true is so it is a right triangle