Right Triangle Geometry: Identifying the Hypotenuse and Opposite Sides

Right Triangle Components with Angle-Side Relationships

In a right triangle, the side opposite the right angle is called....?

❤️ Continue Your Math Journey!

We have hundreds of course questions with personalized recommendations + Account 100% premium

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

In a right triangle, the side opposite the right angle is called....?

2

Step-by-step solution

The problem requires us to identify the side of a right triangle that is opposite to its right angle.
In right triangles, one of the most crucial elements to recognize is the presence of a right angle (90 degrees).
The side that is directly across or opposite the right angle is known as the hypotenuse. It is also the longest side of a right triangle.
Therefore, when asked for the side opposite the right angle in a right triangle, the correct term is the hypotenuse.

Selection from the given choices corroborates our analysis:

  • Choice 1: Leg - In the context of right triangles, the "legs" are the two sides that form the right angle, not the side opposite to it.
  • Choice 2: Hypotenuse - This is the correct identification for the side opposite the right angle.

Therefore, the correct answer is Hypotenuse \text{Hypotenuse} .

3

Final Answer

Hypotenuse

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Definition: The hypotenuse is always opposite the right angle
  • Identification: Look across from the 90° angle to find hypotenuse
  • Check: The hypotenuse is always the longest of the three sides ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Confusing legs with the hypotenuse
    Don't call the sides forming the right angle the hypotenuse = wrong terminology! The legs are the two shorter sides that meet at 90°, while the hypotenuse is opposite the right angle. Always identify the side directly across from the right angle as the hypotenuse.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

In a right triangle, the side opposite the right angle is called....?

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

How can I remember which side is the hypotenuse?

+

Think of it as "opposite the right angle" - just look across from the 90° corner and that's your hypotenuse! It's also always the longest side in the triangle.

What are the legs in a right triangle?

+

The legs are the two sides that form the right angle - they meet at the 90° corner. Think of them as the shorter sides that create the right angle together.

Is the hypotenuse always the longest side?

+

Yes, always! In any right triangle, the hypotenuse is guaranteed to be longer than either leg. This is a fundamental property you can count on.

Can a right triangle have two hypotenuses?

+

No, never! A right triangle has exactly one right angle, so it can only have one side opposite to that angle - which means only one hypotenuse.

What if I can't see the right angle clearly?

+

Look for the square symbol (⊔) marking the right angle, or find the longest side - that's your hypotenuse! The right angle is always opposite the longest side.

🌟 Unlock Your Math Potential

Get unlimited access to all 18 Triangle questions, detailed video solutions, and personalized progress tracking.

📹

Unlimited Video Solutions

Step-by-step explanations for every problem

📊

Progress Analytics

Track your mastery across all topics

🚫

Ad-Free Learning

Focus on math without distractions

No credit card required • Cancel anytime

More Questions

Click on any question to see the complete solution with step-by-step explanations