How do you calculate the hypotenuse of a right triangle?

To determine the length of the hypotenuse in a right triangle, the Pythagorean theorem is utilized. This theorem states that the square of the length of the hypotenuse (c) is equal to the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two sides (legs), which are typically designated as a and b. The formula is articulated as c = √(a² + b²).

By applying this theorem, you can derive the accurate length of the hypotenuse when the lengths of the two legs are known. For example, if one leg measures 3 units and the other measures 4 units, you would calculate the hypotenuse as follows: c = √(3² + 4²) = √(9 + 16) = √25 = 5. This approach ensures that you are accounting for both dimensions of the triangle correctly, reflecting the relationship defined by the theorem.

Other methods listed, such as adding or subtracting the legs, multiplying them, or taking roots in an incorrect manner, do not conform to the necessary geometric principles defined by the Pythagorean theorem and therefore will not yield the correct result for the hypotenuse. Using these alternative methods will lead to inaccurately