16Hit1600
Geometry and TrigonometryEasySides of a 45-45-90 triangle

Geometry and Trigonometry practice question

A triangle has angles measuring 90°, 45°, and 45°. Which of the following statements about its sides must be true?

  1. A. The two legs have the same length.Correct
  2. B. The hypotenuse has the same length as one leg.
  3. C. All three sides have the same length.
  4. D. The hypotenuse is the shortest side.

Answer: A. The two legs have the same length.

Equal angles face equal sides, so the two 45° angles face equal legs.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. The hypotenuse has the same length as one leg.
The hypotenuse is longer than either leg.
C. All three sides have the same length.
Only an equilateral triangle has three equal sides, and its angles are 60°.
D. The hypotenuse is the shortest side.
The hypotenuse is always the longest side.

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