1. What is the Hypotenuse Calculator?

Definition: This calculator finds the length of the hypotenuse (c) in a right triangle using the Pythagorean theorem.

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

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Pythagorean theorem formula:

Where:

• \( c \) — Hypotenuse (longest side, opposite the right angle)
• \( a \) — Length of one leg of the triangle
• \( b \) — Length of the other leg of the triangle

Explanation: The sum of the squares of the two shorter sides equals the square of the hypotenuse.

3. Importance of Hypotenuse Calculation

Details: Accurate hypotenuse calculation is essential in construction, navigation, engineering, and various STEM fields where right triangles are used.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the lengths of both legs (a and b) in meters. Both values must be greater than 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Does this work for any triangle?
A: No, only for right-angled triangles where one angle is exactly 90 degrees.

Q2: What units should I use?
A: The calculator uses meters, but any consistent unit can be used (cm, ft, etc.) as long as both sides use the same unit.

Q3: What if I know the hypotenuse and one side?
A: You can rearrange the formula to find the missing side: \( a = \sqrt{c^2 - b^2} \).

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

Q5: Can I use this for 3D calculations?
A: The Pythagorean theorem can be extended to 3D: \( d = \sqrt{a^2 + b^2 + c^2} \), but this calculator is for 2D right triangles.