Final answer:
The hypotenuse is always the longest side in a right triangle, based on the Pythagorean theorem.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a right triangle, the hypotenuse is always the longest side. This is because the hypotenuse is opposite the right angle and connects the other two sides, known as the legs. The Pythagorean theorem states that for any right triangle, the sum of the squares of the lengths of the legs is equal to the square of the length of the hypotenuse. So, in every right triangle, the hypotenuse will always be the longest side.