Right Triangle

These three sides form a right triangle. Use the Converse of the Pythagorean Theorem to classify it as acute, obtuse, or right.
13, 80, and 81?

• acute

• obtuse

• right

When the altitude is drawn to the hypotenuse of a right triangle,

3 right triangles are formed which are all similar to each other,

therefore all pairs of corresponding sides are in proportion.

• Got it!

• I didn't know that.

The altitude is the the mean proportional

between the two parts of the hypotenuse.

• Got it!

• I still need to memorize and practice this.

Which equation would you use to find the value of x?

Answer explanation

x is a leg, and you have information about the hypotenuse, so use the leg as a mean proportional between the whole hypotenuse and the part of the hypotenuse on the same side as that leg.

Which should be the mean proportional to find the value of x?

• A part

• The altitude

• The hypotenuse

• A leg

• 6√4
• 2
• 4√6
• √6

Solve for x.

• x = 17/8

• x = 81/8

• x = 8

• x = 2

Answer explanation

Add the parts to get the whole hypotenuse, x + 8, then distribute when you cross multiply.

Find the value of x.

• 12

• 4√2

• √32

• 16

The accompanying diagram shows a 24-foot ladder leaning against a building. A steel brace extends from the ladder to the point where the building meets the ground. The brace forms a right angle with the ladder.If the steel brace is connected to the ladder at a point that is 10 feet from the foot of the ladder, which equation can be used to find the length, x, of the steel brace?

In the accompanying diagram, triangle ABC is a right triangle and CD is the altitude to hypotenuse AB. If AD=4 and DB=16 find the length of CB.

• 64

• 8

• 32