A right triangle is a type of triangle that has one angle measuring 90 degrees, known as the right angle. This makes the other two angles acute, meaning they are less than 90 degrees. The side opposite the right angle is called the hypotenuse, and the other two sides are called the legs.
The Pythagorean Theorem can be used to find the length of the sides of a right triangle. The theorem 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 is written as:
c2 = a2 + b2
Right triangles are used in various mathematical and real-world applications, such as in trigonometry to solve for unknown angles and side lengths, in engineering and construction to calculate measurements, and in navigation to determine distances and directions.
Additionally, the concept of similar right triangles allows for the development of trigonometric ratios such as sine, cosine, and tangent, which are fundamental in solving problems involving right triangles.
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