Question

A triangle has sides with lengths of 4 centimeters, 12 centimeters, and 13 centimeters. Is it a right triangle.

Answer 1

No, this isn't a right triangle.

Explanation:

To check if the triangle is right we can use Pythagorean Theorem. If the equation turns out as true, the triangle is right.

Pythagorean Theorem

`c^2 = a^2 + b^2`

c ... hypotenuse

a ... one leg

b ... another leg

The longest side in a right triangle is always hypotenuse, therefore we use the side which is 13 cm long as hypotenuse.

`c^2 = a^2 + b^2\\13^2 = 4^2 + 12^2\\169 = 16 + 144\\169 = 160`

Number 169 isn't equal to 160 so the equation is false. That means that the triangle is not right.