A triangle has sides with lengths of 9 yards, 12 yards, and 15 yards. Is it a right triangle? yes no Submit
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To determine if a triangle is a right triangle, you can apply the Pythagorean theorem, which states that for a triangle with sides \(a\), \(b\), and hypotenuse \(c\), the equation \(a^2 + b^2 = c^2\) holds true. In this case, using sides 9 yards, 12 yards, and 15 yards, we can see if \(9^2 + 12^2 = 15^2\). That calculates to \(81 + 144 = 225\), which means it is indeed a right triangle! Triangles were used in ancient civilizations, particularly in Egypt and Mesopotamia, where they played a role in land surveying and architecture. The famous mathematician Pythagoras, who lived around 570-495 B.C., is credited with developing the Pythagorean theorem, though it had been known long before him in various forms, showing how important triangles have been throughout history!