Right Triangle Terminology: Identifying the Legs and Adjacent Sides

Triangle Terminology with Side Classifications

In a right triangle, the two sides that form a right angle are called...?

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Step-by-step written solution

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1

Understand the problem

In a right triangle, the two sides that form a right angle are called...?

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Step-by-step solution

In a right triangle, there are specific terms for the sides. The two sides that form the right angle are referred to as the legs of the triangle. To differentiate, the side opposite the right angle is called the hypotenuse, which is distinct due to being the longest side. Hence, in response to the problem, the sides forming the right angle are correctly identified as Legs.

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Final Answer

Legs

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Definition: The two sides forming the right angle are called legs
  • Identification: Legs meet at the 90° corner, hypotenuse is opposite
  • Verification: Count sides: 2 legs + 1 hypotenuse = 3 total sides ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Confusing legs with hypotenuse
    Don't call the longest side a leg = wrong terminology! The hypotenuse is always opposite the right angle and longest. Always remember: legs form the right angle, hypotenuse is opposite to it.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Is the triangle in the drawing a right triangle?

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

How can I remember which sides are the legs?

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Think of it like a corner! The legs are the two sides that meet to form the right angle corner. The hypotenuse is like the diagonal that connects the other ends.

Are the legs always the same length?

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Not necessarily! The legs can be different lengths. Only in a special case called an isosceles right triangle are the legs equal in length.

Which side is longest in a right triangle?

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The hypotenuse is always the longest side! It's opposite the largest angle (90°), so it must be longer than either leg.

Can I call the hypotenuse a leg?

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No! These are specific mathematical terms. The hypotenuse is the side opposite the right angle, while legs are the sides that form the right angle.

What if I see 'adjacent' and 'opposite' instead of legs?

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Those terms are used in trigonometry! 'Adjacent' and 'opposite' describe legs relative to a specific angle, but both are still legs of the triangle.

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