How to find hypotenuse

Have you ever found yourself staring at a right triangle, perhaps during a math class or while tackling a geometry problem at home, wondering how to find the length of the hypotenuse? It’s a common scenario for students and anyone needing to solve practical problems involving triangles, from architects to engineers. Whether you’re working on homework or trying to understand the concepts for personal projects, knowing how to calculate the hypotenuse can be crucial. In this post, we’ll break down the steps you need to follow to determine the hypotenuse of a right triangle with ease and confidence.

To find the hypotenuse of a right triangle, use the Pythagorean theorem: c = √(a² + b²), where c is the hypotenuse, and a and b are the lengths of the other two sides.

The hypotenuse is the longest side of a right triangle, opposite the right angle. To find it, you can utilize the Pythagorean theorem, which states that the square of the length of the hypotenuse (c) is equal to the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two sides (a and b). In equation form, it’s represented as c² = a² + b².

To calculate the hypotenuse, follow these steps:

1. Measure the lengths of the two other sides (a and b).

2. Square both lengths: calculate a² and b².

3. Add these two squared values together. This gives you the sum a² + b².

4. Finally, take the square root of this sum to find the length of the hypotenuse: c = √(a² + b²).

This method is simple and effective, making it a reliable tool for solving various geometry problems involving right triangles. Remember, the Pythagorean theorem is only applicable to right triangles, so make sure you’re dealing with one before applying this formula!