Table of Contents
Last modified on August 3rd, 2023
As we know, special right triangles can have different dimensions, but among them, the most common is the 3-4-5 right triangle. Here, we will learn about 3-4-5 right triangles and how to solve problems involving them.
A 3-4-5 triangle is a special right triangle whose side lengths are in the ratio of 3: 4: 5. It is thus a right triangle with sides in the ratio of integer lengths (whole numbers) called Pythagorean triples. Since all its side lengths are different from the other; it is also called a scalene-right triangle.
Being a right triangle, the Pythagoras formula a2 + b2 = c2, where a = side 1, b = side 2, and c = hypotenuse is also applicable in a 3-4-5 triangle.
In a 3-4-5 triangle,
a2 + b2 = c2, here a = 3 units, b = 4 units
⇒ 32 + 42 = c2
⇒ 25 = c2
⇒ c = 5 units
Hence, it works.
Other Pythagorean Triples
3-4-5 triangle does not mean that the ratios are always exactly 3: 4: 5. But, it can be any factor of numbers, keeping the basic ratio of the three sides the same. Few other examples of 3-4-5 triangles are:
Solving a 3-4-5 right triangle involves finding the missing side lengths of the triangle. The ratio of 3: 4: 5 allows us to calculate the unknown lengths without using the Pythagorean Theorem or trigonometric functions.
Find the length of the unknown side of a right triangle in which hypotenuse measures 35 cm and one of the other side measures 28 cm.
We first have to prove whether the given triangle is a 3-4-5 triangle, for which the test ratio should be 3:4:5.
?: 28: 35 = ?: 4(7): 5(7)
Here, factor x = 7
Thus, the given triangle is a 3-4-5 right triangle
Hence, the length of the unknown side is:
3x = 3 x 7 = 21 cm
Find the value of y in the given triangle. Assume that the triangle is a 3-4-5 right triangle.
We first have to prove whether the given triangle is a 3-4-5 triangle, for which the test ratio should be 3:4:5
?: 100: 125 = ?: 4(25): 5(25)
Here, factor x = 25
Thus, the given triangle is a 3-4-5 right triangle
Hence, the length of the unknown side (y) is:
y = 3x = 3 x 25 = 75 cm
Calculate the length of the diagonal of a right triangle with side lengths of 9mm and 12mm.
We first have to prove whether the given triangle is a 3-4-5 triangle, for which the test ratio should be 3:4:5
9: 12: ? = 3(3): 4(3): ?
Here, factor x = 3
Thus, the given triangle is a 3-4-5 right triangle,
Substituting the value of x, we get
Diagonal = hypotenuse = 5x = 5 x 3 =15mm
Hence, the length of the diagonal is 15mm.
The longest edge and bottom edge of triangular-shaped sail of a boat is 20m and 16m respectively. Find the height of the sail?
Since, we first need to check whether the triangular sail makes a 3-4-5 right triangle with the bottom, we will find its test ratio.
⇒ ?: 16: 20 = ? : 4(4): 5(4)
Here, factor x = 4
Thus, the given triangle is a 3-4-5 right triangle
Substituting the value of x, we get Height = 3x = 3 x 4 = 12m
Hence, the height of the sail is 12m.
Last modified on August 3rd, 2023
