general

definition of right triangle

If we talk about rectangles we are in the field of mathematical knowledge and, more specifically, in geometry. The right triangle has a characteristic: it is a triangular geometric figure in which one of its sides measures 90 degrees and its two remaining sides are opposite to the first and are called legs. The largest side that forms it is known as the hypotenuse and it always opposes the angle formed by the legs.

The Pythagorean theorem

The right triangle has two acute angles and one right angle. From this structure of the angles it is possible to calculate the trigonometric ratios of these triangles. In this way, if in a right triangle the longest sides measure 13 cm and 12 cm, it is possible to calculate the distance of the smallest acute angle by applying the Pythagorean theorem (in this case the final result would be an angle less than 25 degrees, since the Pythagorean theorem says that in a right triangle the square of the hypotenuse is equivalent to the sum of the squares of the legs).

Practical applications and presence of right triangles

Pythagoras was born on the Greek island of Samos in the Vl century BC. C. His theorem is a fundamental tool to calculate and solve real problems in all kinds of disciplines: architecture, cartography, geography, urban planning, etc. These and other theoretical disciplines allow solving practical questions, since the shape of a right triangle can be found on the map of a city, on a staircase leaning against the wall, or at the angles on a sports field.

The concept of the right triangle becomes a reality in everyday life and, in fact, it appears in all kinds of circumstances and situations (a roof of a house, a sculptor with a geometric shape or in the sail of a boat).

Other triangles

All triangles necessarily have 3 points joined by segments. If we classify the triangles according to their sides we have the equilateral triangle with its three equal sides, the isosceles has two equal sides and the scalene has no side that is equal. Another way to classify triangles is by taking their angles into account. According to this classification, in addition to the aforementioned right triangle (remember that it has an angle of 90 degrees), there is also the acute triangle (the three angles are less than 90 degrees) and the obtuse triangle (one of the angles is greater than 90 degrees ).

Photo: iStock - tashechka

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