Question

10) A triangle is shown above. Glo Metri claims that the Pythagorean Theorem

can be used to solve for the missing side length x. Is Gio's claim correct? Why or
why not?

A. No, Gio's claim is incorrect because the Pythagorean theorem can only be used
when the side lengths of a triangle are square numbers.

B. No, Gio's claim is incorrect because the Pythagorean theorem can only be used
with a right triangle.

C. Yes, Gio's claim is correct because the Pythagorean theorem can be used to find
the missing side in any triangle.

D. Yes, Gio's claim is correct because the Pythagorean theorem can be used with any
triangle that is approximately right.

Answer 1

B. No, Gio's claim is incorrect because the Pythagorean theorem can only be used

with a right triangle.

Explanation:

The pythagorean theorem which is given as a² + b² = c², only applies to right triangles. Where, c is the hypotenuse side length that is opposite to the right angle of the triangle, while a and b are the two other legs of the right triangle.

The triangle given above is not a right angle. The measure of the missing length = 180 - (60 + 40) = 80°.

A right ∆ has an angle measure of 90°. Therefore, the pythagorean theorem cannot be applied in this case to solve for the missing side length, x.

So, Gio's claim is INCORRECT.