Final answer:
Using the Pythagorean theorem, the numbers 15, 11, and 2 sqrt26 have been shown to form a right triangle because the sum of the squares of the two smaller numbers equals the square of the largest number.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine if the numbers 15, 11, and 2 sqrt26 can form the sides of a right triangle, we can apply the Pythagorean theorem. This theorem states that for a right triangle with legs of length a and b, and hypotenuse of length c, the following equation holds: a² + b² = c².
Let's assume the longest side, 15, is the hypotenuse, and compare it to the sum of the squares of the other two sides. If 11² + (2 sqrt26)² = 15², then these sides can form a right triangle.
Calculating:
- 11² = 121
- (2 sqrt26)² = 4 * 26 = 104
- 121 + 104 = 225
- 15² = 225
Since both sides of the equation are equal, 225 = 225, it means these numbers do indeed form a right triangle.