Since 5:12:13 is a Pythagorean triple, the triangle is right-angled. - gate.institute
Is Triangle with Sides 5, 12, and 13 a Right Triangle? Understanding the Pythagorean Triple
Is Triangle with Sides 5, 12, and 13 a Right Triangle? Understanding the Pythagorean Triple
When exploring geometry, one of the most fascinating concepts is the relationship between a triangle’s side lengths and right angles—centered around Pythagorean triples. Since 5, 12, and 13 form a classic Pythagorean triple, this triangle is guaranteed to be right-angled. But what exactly makes this set of numbers special? Let’s dive into why this triangle is not only unique but mathematically proven to have a 90-degree angle.
Understanding the Context
What Is a Pythagorean Triple?
A Pythagorean triple consists of three positive integers \(a\), \(b\), and \(c\), where:
\[
a^2 + b^2 = c^2
\]
Here, \(c\) is always the largest number, representing the hypotenuse—the side opposite the right angle in a right triangle.
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Key Insights
Why 5, 12, and 13 Form a Valid Triple
To verify if 5, 12, 13 is a Pythagorean triple, we simply compute:
\[
5^2 + 12^2 = 25 + 144 = 169
\]
\[
13^2 = 169
\]
Since both sides equal 169, the triangle with sides 5, 12, and 13 satisfies the Pythagorean theorem perfectly.
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The Right-Angled Triangle Property
This verification proves the triangle is right-angled. In practical terms, if you construct a triangle with sides 5 units, 12 units, and 13 units, connecting these endpoints forms an angle of exactly 90 degrees between the sides measuring 5 and 12. This makes it a textbook example of a right-angled triangle defined by an integer triple.
Real-World Applications and Significance
Beyond textbook geometry, Pythagorean triples like 5-12-13 appear frequently in architecture, engineering, navigation, and computer graphics. They simplify calculations involving distances, slopes, and structural stability—proving the elegance of mathematics in real-life design.
How to Test if Any Triangle Is Right-Angled
For any set of side lengths, you can test if a triangle is right-angled by squaring each side and checking:
\[
a^2 + b^2 = c^2
\]