If triangle ABC is a right triangle, then the measure of the two shorter sides (called legs) squared and added together equals the square of the measure of the hypotenuse. (a squared + b squared = c squared).

In this case, AB = 4, BC = 3, and AC = 5.

4 squared = 16,

3 squared = 9

5 squared = 25

16 + 9 = 25.

Click here to retrurn to Ian's Geometry Forum.