Hypotenuse

The hypotenuse is the longest side of a right-angled triangle. It is always the side that is positioned directly opposite the right angle ($90^\circ$).

Example

In a right-angled triangle with shorter sides (legs) of length $a = 3$ and $b = 4$, the length of the hypotenuse $c$ can be found using the Pythagorean theorem ($a^2 + b^2 = c^2$): $$c = \sqrt{3^2 + 4^2} = \sqrt{9 + 16} = \sqrt{25} = 5$$

See Also

• Right Angled Triangle
• Pythagoras Theorem
• Trigonometric Ratios