Definition Of Hypotenuse

Hypotenuse is the side opposite the right angle in a right triangle. It is the longest side of a right triangle.

Video Examples: Hypotenuse
 

Solved Example on Hypotenuse

Ques: If a = 3.9 and b = 5.2, find the measure of the hypotenuse in the right triangle.

Choices:

A. 16.5 units
B. 5.0 units
C. 8.5 units
D. 6.5 units 
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Step 1: From the figure, a = 3.9 and b = 5.2. 
Step 2 :c² = a² + b²[Apply Pythagorean theorem.] 
Step 3: c² = 3.9² + 5.2² [Substitute for a and b.] 
Step 4:c² = 15.21 + 27.04 = 42.25  
[Apply exponents and simplify.] 
Step 5:   [Take square root of both sides and simplify.] 
Step 6: The measure of the hypotenuse, c = 6.5 units.

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