Question

Which set of numbers could represent the lengths of the sides of a right triangle?

2,3,4
12, 15, 20
8, 9, 10
9, 40, 41

Answer 1

D. 9, 40, 41

Explanation:

We can use Pythagorean theorem (a²+b²=c²) to answer this question by squaring the smallest 2 lengths then seeing if it equals the square of the 3rd length.

2²+3² = 4+9 = 13 ≠ 4²

12²+15² = 144+225 = 369 ≠ 20²

8²+9² = 64+81 = 145 ≠ 10²

9²+40² = 81+1600 = 1681 = 41²