Question

given right triangle xyz (with right angle at z, side zy labeled ( a ), side xz labeled ( b ), side xy labeled ( c )), which correctly describes the locations of the sides in relation to ( angle y )?

• ( a ) is opposite, ( b ) is adjacent, ( c ) is the hypotenuse
• ( a ) is the hypotenuse, ( b ) is opposite, ( c ) is adjacent
• ( a ) is adjacent, ( b ) is the hypotenuse, ( c ) is opposite
• ( a ) is adjacent, ( b ) is opposite, ( c ) is the hypotenuse

Explanation:

In right triangle \( XYZ \) with right angle at \( Z \), for \( \angle Y \):

• The hypotenuse is the side opposite the right angle, so \( c \) (side \( XY \)) is the hypotenuse.
• The adjacent side to \( \angle Y \) is the leg forming \( \angle Y \) (other than hypotenuse), so \( a \) (side \( YZ \)) is adjacent.
• The opposite side to \( \angle Y \) is the leg not forming \( \angle Y \), so \( b \) (side \( XZ \)) is opposite.

Thus, \( a \) is adjacent, \( b \) is opposite, \( c \) is the hypotenuse.

Answer:

D. \( a \) is adjacent, \( b \) is opposite, \( c \) is the hypotenuse