Hypotenuse
noun
The longest side of a right-angled triangle, opposite the right angle.
In a right triangle, the square of the length of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two sides.

Often appears as...
- pythagorean theorem
- square of the hypotenuse
Usage tips
Technical
noun
The longest side of a right-angled triangle, opposite the right angle.
In a right triangle, the square of the length of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two sides.

Often appears as...
- pythagorean theorem
- square of the hypotenuse
Usage tips
Technical
Definition 1 of 1

Geometric Focus
Understand that 'hypotenuse' specifically refers to triangles with one 90-degree angle.

The length of the hypotenuse can be calculated using the other two sides.
Not Just Any Side
Remember that 'hypotenuse' is not used for any side of a triangle, but exclusively for the longest one in a right triangle.

When we say the hypotenuse, we're talking about the side across from the right angle.
Mathematical Language
Hypotenuse is a term mostly found in mathematical or educational contexts, less in everyday conversation.

During math class, we learned how to calculate the hypotenuse.
Geometric Focus
Understand that 'hypotenuse' specifically refers to triangles with one 90-degree angle.

The length of the hypotenuse can be calculated using the other two sides.
Not Just Any Side
Remember that 'hypotenuse' is not used for any side of a triangle, but exclusively for the longest one in a right triangle.

When we say the hypotenuse, we're talking about the side across from the right angle.
Mathematical Language
Hypotenuse is a term mostly found in mathematical or educational contexts, less in everyday conversation.

During math class, we learned how to calculate the hypotenuse.
Geometric Focus
Understand that 'hypotenuse' specifically refers to triangles with one 90-degree angle.

The length of the hypotenuse can be calculated using the other two sides.
Not Just Any Side
Remember that 'hypotenuse' is not used for any side of a triangle, but exclusively for the longest one in a right triangle.

When we say the hypotenuse, we're talking about the side across from the right angle.
Mathematical Language
Hypotenuse is a term mostly found in mathematical or educational contexts, less in everyday conversation.

During math class, we learned how to calculate the hypotenuse.
Video examples
My friend Richard...
the Pythagorean theorem he didn't call it the hypotenuse he called it the shortcut distance and fineman's eyes just opened up he went off like a light bulb and he said you know he had had basically exactly the same relationship with his father in fact he had been
Video examples
Eduardo Sáenz de...
Even if the world collapsed the Pythagorean theorem would still be true. Wherever any two triangle sides and a good hypotenuse get together the Pythagorean theorem goes all out. It works like crazy.
Video examples
My friend Richard...
the Pythagorean theorem he didn't call it the hypotenuse he called it the shortcut distance and fineman's eyes just opened up he went off like a light bulb and he said you know he had had basically exactly the same relationship with his father in fact he had been
Video examples
Eduardo Sáenz de...
Even if the world collapsed the Pythagorean theorem would still be true. Wherever any two triangle sides and a good hypotenuse get together the Pythagorean theorem goes all out. It works like crazy.
Example 1 of 2
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