1. What is the 3rd Side Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the length of the hypotenuse (3rd side) in a right-angled triangle using the Pythagorean theorem.

Purpose: It helps students, engineers, and construction professionals quickly calculate the missing side of a right triangle.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Pythagorean theorem:

Where:

• \( c \) — Hypotenuse (side opposite the right angle)
• \( a \) — Length of one perpendicular side
• \( b \) — Length of the other perpendicular side

Explanation: The squares of the two shorter sides are added together, and the square root of this sum gives the hypotenuse length.

3. Importance of Right Triangle Calculations

Details: Right triangle calculations are fundamental in geometry, construction, navigation, and various engineering applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the lengths of any two perpendicular sides in meters. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I calculate one of the shorter sides if I know the hypotenuse?
A: Yes, you can rearrange the formula to \( a = \sqrt{c² - b²} \) if you know the hypotenuse and one side.

Q2: What units does this calculator use?
A: The calculator uses meters, but the same formula works for any unit of length as long as all inputs use the same unit.

Q3: Does this work for non-right triangles?
A: No, this calculator only works for right-angled triangles. For other triangles, you would need the Law of Cosines.

Q4: How accurate are the results?
A: Results are mathematically precise, though practical measurements may have some margin of error.

Q5: Can I use decimal values?
A: Yes, you can input decimal values for more precise calculations.