Can a triangle with side lengths of 3, 4, and 5 be considered a right triangle?

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Yes, a triangle with side lengths of 3, 4, and 5 can indeed be classified as a right triangle. To determine this, we can apply the Pythagorean theorem, which states that in a right triangle, the square of the length of the hypotenuse (the longest side) is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides.

In this case, the sides are as follows:

  • Side A = 3
  • Side B = 4
  • Hypotenuse (Side C) = 5

According to the Pythagorean theorem:

a2 + b2 = c2

Substituting the values of the sides:

32 + 42 = 52

Calculating each side:

  • 32 = 9
  • 42 = 16
  • 52 = 25

Now, we add the squares of the two shorter sides:

9 + 16 = 25

Since both sides of the equation are equal (25 = 25), it confirms that the triangle with sides 3, 4, and 5 is indeed a right triangle. This property makes the 3-4-5 triangle a classic example in geometry, often used to illustrate the Pythagorean theorem.

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