Final answer:
In a standard three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system, three right angles are formed by the intersections of the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question about the number of right angles formed by the x, y, and z axes pertains to three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate systems in geometry. When considering the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis, each pair of axes meets at a right angle to one another, which is consistent with the definition of Cartesian coordinates. Therefore, the answer revolves around the number of these right angle intersections in a standard 3D Cartesian system.
In a three-dimensional space, three axes are mutually perpendicular. Using the right-hand rule, which is common in mathematics and physics, we see that the x-axis is perpendicular to the y-axis, the y-axis is perpendicular to the z-axis, and the z-axis is perpendicular to the x-axis. As such, there are three right angles between the positive directions of the axes.
Each right angle is formed by the intersection of two axes. Therefore, the x and y axes form one right angle, the y and z axes form a second right angle, and the x and z axes form the third right angle.