Math Problem Statement

Which of the following sets of numbers could represent the three sides of a right triangle? Answer Multiple Choice Answers left curly bracket, 36, comma, 84, comma, 91, right curly bracket{36,84,91} left curly bracket, 8, comma, 24, comma, 25, right curly bracket{8,24,25} left curly bracket, 32, comma, 60, comma, 68, right curly bracket{32,60,68} left curly bracket, 51, comma, 67, comma, 85, right curly bracket{51,67,85}

Solution

To determine which set of numbers represents the sides of a right triangle, we need to check if they satisfy the Pythagorean theorem:

a2+b2=c2a^2 + b^2 = c^2

where aa, bb, and cc are the lengths of the triangle's sides, and cc is the hypotenuse (the largest number in the set).

Calculations for each set:

  1. Set {36,84,91}\{36, 84, 91\}: 362+842=1296+7056=8352,912=828136^2 + 84^2 = 1296 + 7056 = 8352, \quad 91^2 = 8281 835282818352 \neq 8281, so this is not a right triangle.

  2. Set {8,24,25}\{8, 24, 25\}: 82+242=64+576=640,252=6258^2 + 24^2 = 64 + 576 = 640, \quad 25^2 = 625 640625640 \neq 625, so this is not a right triangle.

  3. Set {32,60,68}\{32, 60, 68\}: 322+602=1024+3600=4624,682=462432^2 + 60^2 = 1024 + 3600 = 4624, \quad 68^2 = 4624 4624=46244624 = 4624, so this is a right triangle.

  4. Set {51,67,85}\{51, 67, 85\}: 512+672=2601+4489=7090,852=722551^2 + 67^2 = 2601 + 4489 = 7090, \quad 85^2 = 7225 709072257090 \neq 7225, so this is not a right triangle.

Answer:

The set {32,60,68}\{32, 60, 68\} represents the sides of a right triangle.


Would you like further details or have any questions? Here are some follow-up topics:

  1. How to identify right triangles using Pythagorean triples?
  2. What are primitive Pythagorean triples?
  3. How to find the hypotenuse of a triangle given two sides?
  4. How does the Pythagorean theorem apply in three dimensions?
  5. Can a triangle with irrational sides be a right triangle?

Tip: Always check that the largest side in the set is the hypotenuse when applying the Pythagorean theorem.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Right Triangles
Pythagorean Theorem

Formulas

a^2 + b^2 = c^2

Theorems

Pythagorean Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10