Which is the correct equation to find the length of the hypotenuse of a right triangle?

The equation a² + b² = c² is known as the Pythagorean theorem, which applies specifically to right triangles. In any right triangle, the hypotenuse is the longest side, opposite the right angle, and is denoted by c. The other two sides of the triangle are referred to as a and b. This formula states that the square of the length of the hypotenuse (c²) is equal to the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two sides (a² and b²).

This relationship allows for the calculation of the hypotenuse when the lengths of the two other sides are known. For instance, if one side measures 3 units and the other side measures 4 units, applying the theorem gives:

3² + 4² = c²

=> 9 + 16 = c²

=> 25 = c²

=> c = 5 units.

This clear connection between the sides of a right triangle is crucial in various applications, including geometry, trigonometry, and even certain areas of physics.