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Pythagorean Theorem

Relates the sides of a right triangle.

Variables

a, b
Legs
c
Hypotenuse (side opposite the right angle)

Explanation

In any right triangle, the area of the square on the hypotenuse equals the sum of the areas of the squares on the legs. The converse also holds: if , the triangle is right.

Example

Legs 5 and 12: .

Try it: Pythagorean Theorem Calculator

Find the hypotenuse or a missing leg of a right triangle using a² + b² = c².

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