hypotenuse

thumb|right|A right-angled triangle and its hypotenuse

AI overview

The hypotenuse is the longest side of a right-angled triangle, specifically the side opposite the right angle. It's important because it appears in the Pythagorean theorem, a fundamental mathematical relationship that allows you to calculate distances and solve problems in geometry, construction, and many other practical fields.

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~5 min read

Article

8 sections

Contents

Etymology
Properties
Pythagorean theorem
Sine and cosine
In computer programming
See also
Notes
References

thumb|right|A right-angled triangle and its hypotenuse

In geometry, a hypotenuse is the side of a right triangle that is opposite to the right angle. It is always the longest side of the triangle. The other two sides of a right triangle are called legs or catheti.