Question

The converse of the Pythagorean theorem says that if the side lengths of a triangle satisfy the equation a2+b2=c2, then the triangle is a right triangle. Which triangle is a right triangle?
1. A= 15, B=8, C=17
2.A= 15, B=8, C=16
3.A= 15, B=9, C=17

Answer 1

Answer 1 is a right triangle.

If you try out the Pythagorean Theorem to see if it works, you'll find that it does:

8^2 + 15^2 =? 17^2

64 + 225 =? 289

289 = 289

Therefore, Answer 1 is correct.

Answer 2

This question just requires you to plug the choices into the sample: ${a}^{2} + {b}^{2} = {c}^{2}$

When we plug 1 in:

${15}^{2} + {8}^{2} = {17}^{2}$
$225 + 64 = 289$
$289 = 289$

Because the last statement is true, choice 1 is the right answer.