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Work Out Hypotenuse of Right Angled Triangle

Hypotenuse Formula:

\[ c = \sqrt{a^2 + b^2} \]

meters
meters

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1. What is the Hypotenuse of a Right Triangle?

Definition: The hypotenuse is the longest side of a right-angled triangle, opposite the right angle.

Purpose: Calculating the hypotenuse is essential in geometry, construction, navigation, and various engineering applications.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Pythagorean theorem:

\[ c = \sqrt{a^2 + b^2} \]

Where:

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 Hypotenuse Calculation

Details: Accurate hypotenuse calculation is crucial for building stable structures, creating accurate maps, and solving real-world measurement problems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the lengths of both legs of the right triangle in meters (or any consistent unit). All values must be > 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: Any consistent units (meters, feet, inches), but both sides must use the same unit.

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

Q4: How accurate is the result?
A: The calculator provides results to 3 decimal places for precision.

Q5: Can I use decimals or fractions?
A: Yes, the calculator accepts decimal inputs (e.g., 1.5 meters).

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