1. What is a Right Triangle?

Definition: A right triangle is a triangle with one 90-degree angle. The side opposite the right angle is called the hypotenuse, and the other two sides are called legs.

Pythagorean Theorem: In any right triangle, the square of the hypotenuse equals the sum of the squares of the other two sides.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Pythagorean theorem:

Where:

• \( c \) — Hypotenuse (side opposite the right angle)
• \( a \) and \( b \) — Other two sides (legs)

Explanation: Enter any two sides to calculate the third side. The calculator will automatically determine which side to calculate based on your input.

3. Practical Applications

Construction: Calculating roof pitches, stair stringers, and framing angles.

Navigation: Determining distances in right-angle situations.

Engineering: Solving problems involving right angles in mechanical and structural designs.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter any two known sides (leave the unknown side as 0). The calculator will solve for the missing side.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What units should I use?
A: The calculator works with any consistent units (meters, feet, inches, etc.).

Q2: Can I use decimals?
A: Yes, you can enter decimal values for precise calculations.

Q3: What if I enter all three sides?
A: The calculator will verify if they satisfy the Pythagorean theorem.

Q4: How accurate are the results?
A: Results are accurate to 3 decimal places.

Q5: Can this calculate angles?
A: No, this only calculates side lengths. For angles, use our Triangle Angle Calculator.