Question

summer looked at the formula for the pythagorean theorem, $a^2 + b^2 = c^2$, she said that it didnt matter which sides of a right triangle were a, b, and c. is she correct?
a. yes, she is correct.
b. no, a must be the shortest side, then b, and c is the longest side.
c. no, c must be the shortest side, then b, and a is the longest side.
d. no, a and b are interchangable, and c is the longest side.
please select the best answer from the choices provided
a
b
c
d

Explanation:

long as \(c\) is the hypotenuse.

• Option C is wrong because \(c\) is the longest side (hypotenuse), not the shortest.
• Option D is correct because \(a\) and \(b\) (the legs) can be swapped, and \(c\) must be the hypotenuse (longest side).

Answer:

D. No, a and b are interchangeable, and c is the longest side.