If The Legs Of An Isosceles Right Triangle Have A Length Of $15 \sqrt{2}$ Feet, What Is The Length Of The Hypotenuse?A. 7.5 Feet B. $15 \sqrt{2}$ Feet C. \$15 \sqrt{3}$[/tex\] Feet D. 30 Feet
If the Legs of an Isosceles Right Triangle Have a Length of $15 \sqrt{2}$ Feet, What is the Length of the Hypotenuse?
Understanding the Basics of an Isosceles Right Triangle
An isosceles right triangle is a special type of right triangle where the two legs are equal in length, and the angle between them is 90 degrees. This type of triangle is also known as a 45-45-90 triangle, as the two acute angles are equal and measure 45 degrees each. In this type of triangle, the hypotenuse is always √2 times the length of a leg.
Calculating the Length of the Hypotenuse
Given that the legs of the isosceles right triangle have a length of $15 \sqrt{2}$ feet, we can use the properties of a 45-45-90 triangle to calculate the length of the hypotenuse. In a 45-45-90 triangle, the hypotenuse is equal to √2 times the length of a leg. Therefore, we can calculate the length of the hypotenuse as follows:
Hypotenuse = √2 × leg length Hypotenuse = √2 × $15 \sqrt{2}$ Hypotenuse = $15 \sqrt{2}$ × √2 Hypotenuse = $15 \times 2$ Hypotenuse = 30 feet
Analyzing the Options
Now that we have calculated the length of the hypotenuse, let's analyze the options provided:
A. 7.5 feet - This is incorrect, as the length of the hypotenuse is not 7.5 feet.
B. $15 \sqrt{2}$ feet - This is incorrect, as the length of the hypotenuse is not equal to the length of a leg.
C. $15 \sqrt{3}$ feet - This is incorrect, as the length of the hypotenuse is not equal to $15 \sqrt{3}$ feet.
D. 30 feet - This is correct, as the length of the hypotenuse is indeed 30 feet.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if the legs of an isosceles right triangle have a length of $15 \sqrt{2}$ feet, the length of the hypotenuse is 30 feet. This is because the hypotenuse of a 45-45-90 triangle is equal to √2 times the length of a leg, and in this case, the length of a leg is $15 \sqrt{2}$ feet.
Properties of a 45-45-90 Triangle
A 45-45-90 triangle is a special type of right triangle where the two legs are equal in length, and the angle between them is 90 degrees. The properties of a 45-45-90 triangle are as follows:
- The two legs are equal in length.
- The angle between the two legs is 90 degrees.
- The hypotenuse is equal to √2 times the length of a leg.
- The ratio of the lengths of the sides is 1:1:√2.
Real-World Applications of 45-45-90 Triangles
45-45-90 triangles have many real-world applications, including:
- Building design: 45-45-90 triangles are often used in building design to create strong and stable structures.
- Engineering: 45-45-90 triangles are used in engineering to calculate the stresses and strains on structures.
- Physics: 45-45-90 triangles are used in physics to calculate the motion of objects.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 45-45-90 triangles are an important concept in mathematics and have many real-world applications. Understanding the properties of a 45-45-90 triangle is essential for solving problems involving right triangles.
Q&A: If the Legs of an Isosceles Right Triangle Have a Length of $15 \sqrt{2}$ Feet, What is the Length of the Hypotenuse?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is an isosceles right triangle?
A: An isosceles right triangle is a special type of right triangle where the two legs are equal in length, and the angle between them is 90 degrees. This type of triangle is also known as a 45-45-90 triangle, as the two acute angles are equal and measure 45 degrees each.
Q: What is the relationship between the legs and the hypotenuse of a 45-45-90 triangle?
A: In a 45-45-90 triangle, the hypotenuse is equal to √2 times the length of a leg. This means that if you know the length of a leg, you can calculate the length of the hypotenuse by multiplying it by √2.
Q: How do I calculate the length of the hypotenuse of a 45-45-90 triangle?
A: To calculate the length of the hypotenuse of a 45-45-90 triangle, you can use the formula:
Hypotenuse = √2 × leg length
For example, if the length of a leg is $15 \sqrt{2}$ feet, the length of the hypotenuse would be:
Hypotenuse = √2 × $15 \sqrt{2}$ Hypotenuse = $15 \sqrt{2}$ × √2 Hypotenuse = $15 \times 2$ Hypotenuse = 30 feet
Q: What is the ratio of the lengths of the sides of a 45-45-90 triangle?
A: The ratio of the lengths of the sides of a 45-45-90 triangle is 1:1:√2. This means that the length of a leg is equal to the length of the other leg, and the length of the hypotenuse is √2 times the length of a leg.
Q: What are some real-world applications of 45-45-90 triangles?
A: 45-45-90 triangles have many real-world applications, including:
- Building design: 45-45-90 triangles are often used in building design to create strong and stable structures.
- Engineering: 45-45-90 triangles are used in engineering to calculate the stresses and strains on structures.
- Physics: 45-45-90 triangles are used in physics to calculate the motion of objects.
Q: Can I use a 45-45-90 triangle to solve problems involving right triangles?
A: Yes, you can use a 45-45-90 triangle to solve problems involving right triangles. By understanding the properties of a 45-45-90 triangle, you can apply them to solve problems involving right triangles.
Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when working with 45-45-90 triangles?
A: Some common mistakes to avoid when working with 45-45-90 triangles include:
- Confusing the length of a leg with the length of the hypotenuse.
- Failing to recognize the properties of a 45-45-90 triangle.
- Not using the correct formula to calculate the length of the hypotenuse.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 45-45-90 triangles are an important concept in mathematics and have many real-world applications. By understanding the properties of a 45-45-90 triangle, you can apply them to solve problems involving right triangles.