1. What is a Right Triangle Missing Side Calculator?

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

Purpose: It helps students, engineers, and DIYers quickly solve for the unknown side in right triangle problems.

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 \( c = \sqrt{a^2 + b^2} \) to find the hypotenuse instead.

Q2: Does this work for non-right triangles?
A: No, this calculator only works for right triangles. For other triangles, you would need different formulas.

Q3: What units should I use?
A: The calculator uses meters, but any consistent unit will work as long as you use the same unit for all measurements.

Q4: Why is my result not showing?
A: Make sure the hypotenuse is longer than the known leg and all values are positive numbers.

Q5: How precise are the results?
A: Results are shown with 3 decimal places for most practical applications.