Final answer:
To solve a right triangle, you need at least two parts, such as a side and an angle or two sides. This allows you to use trigonometric ratios or the Pythagorean Theorem to find the remaining sides and angles.
Step-by-step explanation:
To solve a triangle means to determine all three sides' lengths and the measures of all three interior angles. In the case of a right triangle, you need to be given at least two parts of the triangle to solve it. These parts can be angles or sides, and the Pythagorean Theorem, as well as trigonometric ratios, can be used.
Typically, you are given one side and one acute angle (other than the right angle), or two sides. Using these, you can employ trigonometric ratios like sine, cosine, and tangent to find the unknown angles and sides.
Specifically, if you know one angle and one side, you can use the sine or cosine of the given angle to find one of the other sides. For two given sides, the Pythagorean Theorem, which states that a² + b² = c², allows you to find the third side.