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Which set of side lenghts can be used to form a right triangle

Which set of side lenghts can be used to form a right triangle-example-1
User Q The Platypus
by
3.0k points

1 Answer

4 votes
4 votes

Solution:

A few tips...

  • Pythagoras theorem can ONLY be used in right triangles.
  • Usually, the longest side is the hypotenuse.

Option A:

  • 6² = 5² + 4²
  • => 36 = 25 + 16
  • => 36 ≠ 41

The side lengths given are not possible for a right triangle.

Option B:

  • 50² = 40² + 30²
  • => 2500 = 1600 + 900
  • => 2500 = 2500

The side lengths given are possible for a right triangle.

Option C:

  • 30² = 20² + 10²
  • => 900 = 400 + 100
  • => 900 ≠ 500

The side lengths given are not possible for a right triangle.

Option D:

  • 4² = 3² + 2²
  • => 16 = 9 + 4
  • => 13 ≠ 16

The side lengths given are not possible for a right triangle.

In conclusion...

  • Option B is correct.
User Jianxin Gao
by
3.7k points