1. What is the Pythagorean Theorem?

The Pythagorean Theorem states that in a right-angled triangle, the square of the hypotenuse (the side opposite the right angle) is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides (the legs).

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Pythagorean Theorem:

Where:

• \( c \) — Hypotenuse (longest side, opposite the right angle)
• \( a \) — First leg of the triangle
• \( b \) — Second leg of the triangle

Explanation: The theorem applies to all right-angled triangles, regardless of their size or orientation.

3. Importance of Right Angle Triangle Calculation

Details: The Pythagorean Theorem is fundamental in geometry and has practical applications in construction, navigation, physics, and computer graphics.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the lengths of both legs (a and b) in any consistent units. The result will be in the same units. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can this calculator find a missing leg if I know the hypotenuse?
A: No, this version only calculates the hypotenuse. You would need to rearrange the formula to \( a = \sqrt{c^2 - b^2} \) to find a missing leg.

Q2: Does this work for non-right triangles?
A: No, the Pythagorean Theorem only applies to right-angled triangles. For other triangles, you would need different formulas like the Law of Cosines.

Q3: What units should I use?
A: Any consistent length units can be used (cm, inches, meters, etc.), as long as both legs are in the same units.

Q4: How accurate is the calculation?
A: The calculation is mathematically exact. The calculator provides results rounded to 2 decimal places for convenience.

Q5: Can I use this for 3D space calculations?
A: The Pythagorean Theorem can be extended to 3D (d = √(a² + b² + c²)), but this calculator only handles 2D right triangles.