1. What is a Missing Side of a Right Triangle Calculator?

Definition: This calculator finds the length of the missing side in a right triangle when you know the hypotenuse and one leg.

Purpose: It helps students, engineers, and DIYers quickly solve right triangle problems without manual calculations.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Pythagorean theorem:

Where:

• \( a \) — Missing leg (meters)
• \( c \) — Hypotenuse (meters)
• \( b \) — Known leg (meters)

Explanation: The square of the hypotenuse minus the square of the known leg equals the square of the missing leg.

3. Importance of Right Triangle Calculations

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

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the hypotenuse and known leg lengths in meters. Both values must be positive, and the hypotenuse must be longer than the leg.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What if I know two legs but not the hypotenuse?
A: Use the formula \( c = \sqrt{a^2 + b^2} \) instead.

Q2: Why does the hypotenuse need to be longer than the leg?
A: By definition, the hypotenuse is always the longest side in a right triangle.

Q3: What units does this calculator use?
A: The calculator uses meters, but any consistent unit will work (cm, ft, etc.).

Q4: How accurate are the results?
A: Results are accurate to 3 decimal places, sufficient for most practical applications.

Q5: What if I get an error message?
A: Check that your hypotenuse is longer than the leg and both values are positive.