LEGS OF A TRIANGLE
Definition Of Legs Of A Triangle
In a right triangle, the sides opposite to the acute angles are called the Legs of a Triangle.
More About Legs of a Triangle
The legs are the two shorter sides of a right triangle.
The legs of a right triangle are perpendicular to each other.
Video Examples: Congruent legs and base angles of Isosceles Triangles
Example of Legs of a Triangle
In the above right triangle ABC, AB and BC are the legs of the triangle which are shorter sides and AC is the hypotenuse which is the longest side.
Solved Example on Legs of a Triangle
Ques: Identify the legs of the triangle PQR.
Choices:
A. PR and QR
B. PQ and QR
C. only PQ
D. PQ and PR
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Step 1: In a right triangle, the sides opposite to the acute angles are called Legs of a Triangle.
Step 2: ∠QPR and ∠PRQ are the two acute angles
Step 3: So,PQ and QR are the legs of the triangle PQR.
Quick Summary
- Legs are the two shorter sides of a right triangle.
- Legs are perpendicular to each other.
- Legs are opposite the acute angles in a right triangle.
🍎 Teacher Insights
Use physical models of right triangles to help students visualize the legs and hypotenuse. Emphasize the relationship between the legs and the right angle.🎓 Prerequisites
- Basic Triangle Definition
- Right Angle Definition
- Pythagorean Theorem (Introduction)
Check Your Knowledge
Q1: Which sides are the legs in a right triangle with sides AB, BC, and AC, where angle B is 90 degrees?
Q2: If a right triangle has legs of length 3 and 4, what is the length of the hypotenuse?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do you identify the legs of a right triangle?
A: Look for the right angle. The two sides forming the right angle are the legs.
Q: Can a right triangle have legs of equal length?
A: Yes, it is possible. In that case, the triangle would be an isosceles right triangle.