Question

Which set of numbers could represent the lengths of sides of a right triangle? A) 7, 9, 11 B) 10, 15, 20 C) 12, 18, 22 D) 8, 15, 17

Answer 1

Hello from MrBillDoesMath!

Answer: D

In a right (angle) triangle with sides a,b, c, the Pythagorean that gives us that

a^2 + b^2 = c^2. Let go through the 4 cases presented in the problem>

A) Does 7^2 + 9^2 = 11 ^2. That is, does 49 + 81 = 121 ? Nope so these sides do not form a right triangle.

B) Does 10^2 + 15^2 = 20^2. That is, does 100 + 225 = 400 ? Nope so these sides do not form a right triangle

C) Does 12^2 + 18^2 = 22^2. That is, does 144 + 324 = 484 ? Nope, so these sides do not form a right triangle.

D) Does 8^2 + 15^2 = 17^2 ? That is, does 64 + 225 = 289. YES, so these sides can form a right triangle.

Regards, MrB.