Determining the Type of Triangle
A triangle with sides measuring 5 cm, 12 cm, and 13 cm is a right triangle. Here's how we can determine this:
The Pythagorean Theorem
The Pythagorean Theorem states that in a right triangle, the square of the hypotenuse (the longest side) is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides.
Let's apply this to our triangle:
- Hypotenuse: 13 cm
- Other sides: 5 cm and 12 cm
Calculation:
- 13² = 169
- 5² + 12² = 25 + 144 = 169
Since 13² = 5² + 12², the triangle satisfies the Pythagorean Theorem.
Conclusion
Therefore, the triangle with sides 5 cm, 12 cm, and 13 cm is a right triangle.
