Math Problem Statement

Which of the following sets of numbers could represent the three sides of a right triangle?

Solution

To determine which of the given sets of numbers could represent the three sides of a right triangle, we can apply the Pythagorean Theorem. The theorem states that for any right triangle with sides aa, bb, and cc (where cc is the hypotenuse), the relationship a2+b2=c2a^2 + b^2 = c^2 must hold.

Let's check each set to see if it satisfies this condition:

  1. Set {20, 21, 28}:

    • Check if 202+212=28220^2 + 21^2 = 28^2: 202+212=400+441=84120^2 + 21^2 = 400 + 441 = 841 282=78428^2 = 784 This does not satisfy the equation, so this is not a right triangle.
  2. Set {24, 32, 39}:

    • Check if 242+322=39224^2 + 32^2 = 39^2: 242+322=576+1024=160024^2 + 32^2 = 576 + 1024 = 1600 392=152139^2 = 1521 This does not satisfy the equation, so this is not a right triangle.
  3. Set {31, 60, 68}:

    • Check if 312+602=68231^2 + 60^2 = 68^2: 312+602=961+3600=456131^2 + 60^2 = 961 + 3600 = 4561 682=462468^2 = 4624 This does not satisfy the equation, so this is not a right triangle.
  4. Set {6, 8, 10}:

    • Check if 62+82=1026^2 + 8^2 = 10^2: 62+82=36+64=1006^2 + 8^2 = 36 + 64 = 100 102=10010^2 = 100 This satisfies the Pythagorean Theorem, so this set does represent the sides of a right triangle.

Thus, the correct answer is {6, 8, 10}.

Would you like further explanation or details on the process? Here are five related questions to deepen your understanding:

  1. How can the Pythagorean Theorem be used to determine whether any set of numbers forms a right triangle?
  2. What are Pythagorean triples, and why are they important in geometry?
  3. Can a triangle with irrational numbers as side lengths be a right triangle?
  4. What other properties of right triangles can be derived using the Pythagorean Theorem?
  5. How do you determine which number should be the hypotenuse when using the Pythagorean Theorem?

Tip: In a right triangle, the hypotenuse is always the longest side.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Trigonometry

Formulas

Pythagorean Theorem: a^2 + b^2 = c^2

Theorems

Pythagorean Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10