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Right Triangles
Section 3.1 Labeling Right Triangles and the Pythagorean Theorem
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| right triangle | a triangle with a 90º angle |
| reference angle | the angle we are referring to when labeling opposite and adjacent sides of a right triangle |
| opposite side | the side of a right triangle opposite the reference angle |
| adjacent side | the side of a right triangle next to the reference angle |
| hypotenuse | the side of a right triangle opposite the right angle; the longest side of a right triangle |
| Pythagorean Theorem | the sum of the lengths of the two legs of a right triangle squared is equal to the length of the hypotenuse squared; resulting in the formula a^2 + b^2 = c^2, where c is the length of the hypotenuse |
| acute angle | an angle whose measure is less than 90° |