Solving Right Triangles

Solving Right Triangles

• The first step in solving a right triangle is to identify the given information and the unknown variables.

Methods for Solving Right Triangles

• Two common methods used to solve a right triangle are the Pythagorean theorem and trigonometry.

Angles in a Right Triangle

• The three main angles in a right triangle are the right angle (90°) and the two acute angles.

Legs and Hypotenuse

• The relationship between the legs and the hypotenuse of a right triangle is that the sum of the squares of the lengths of the legs is equal to the square of the length of the hypotenuse.

Angle Sum

• The sum of all angles in a right triangle is 180°.

Pythagorean Theorem

• The square of the length of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two sides.

Hypotenuse and Legs

• The side opposite the right angle in a right triangle is called the hypotenuse.
• The two sides that form the right angle in a right triangle are called legs.