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Determine if each set of numbers can be the lengths of the sides of a right triangle:

Determine if each set of numbers can be the lengths of the sides of a right triangle-example-1
User Shazinltc
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1 Answer

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21 votes

Solution:

The side lengths can only be classified as a right triangle if it is a Pythagorean triple. To classify the side lengths as a Pythagorean triple, it must satisfy "c² = b² + a²".

Where:

  • c = Longest side (Hypotenuse)
  • b = Leg
  • a = Leg

Checking (5, 12, 13):

  • c² = b² + a²
  • 13² = 12² + 5²
  • 169 = 144 + 25
  • 169 - 144 = 25
  • 25 = 25 (Yes)

Checking (12, 35, 20√3):

  • (20√3)² = 35² + 12²
  • (20√3)(20√3) = 1225 + 144
  • 1200 = 1225 + 144 (No)

Checking (5, 10, 5√5):

  • (5√5)² = 10² + 5²
  • 125 = 100 + 25
  • 125 = 125 (Yes)

Checking (8, 12, 15):

  • 15² = 12² + 8²
  • 225 = 144 + 64 (No)

Checking (20, 99, 101):

  • 101² = 99² + 20²
  • 10201 = 9801 + 400
  • 10201 = 10201 (Yes)
User Kyle Gobel
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