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Pythagorean theorem: Explanation and example

Find a missing side of a right triangle.

Explanation and example

The squares of the legs add to the square of the hypotenuse: a² + b² = c². Leave exactly one side blank.

Example: legs 3 and 4 give hypotenuse √(9 + 16) = 5.

Limits

Only valid for a right triangle. The hypotenuse must exceed either leg. Known lengths must be positive and use one unit.

Source

OpenStax · mathematics