Question

Summer looked at the formula for the Pythagorean Theorem, a2 + b2 = c2, she said that it didn’t matter which sides of a right triangle were a, b, and c. Is she correct?

Answer 1

For the pythagorean theorem, the sides A and B can be interchanged, as they are merely the legs of the right triangle. However, in the case of side C, it must be the hypotenuse (the longest side) of the triangle. 

Answer 2

No , Summer is incorrect .

Let me explain pythagorean theorem first

(Hypotenuse )² = (Perpendicular)² + (Base)²

Where Hypotenuse is longest side of Right Angled triangle and base and altitude are shorter sides, they can be equal also.

So, Hypotenuse must be equal to c , and base and altitude can be a, b or b,a.

The Angle opposite to hypotenuse must be Right Angle.