Lesson 9

The Converse

Let’s figure out if a triangle is a right triangle.

Problem 1

Which of these triangles are definitely right triangles? Explain how you know. (Note that not all triangles are drawn to scale.)

5 triangles labeled A, B, C, D, E. 

 

Problem 2

A right triangle has a hypotenuse of 15 cm. What are possible lengths for the two legs of the triangle? Explain your reasoning.

A right triangle with a hypotenuse of 15 cm. The other two legs are unlabeled.

 

Problem 3

In each part, \(a\) and \(b\) represent the length of a leg of a right triangle, and \(c\) represents the length of its hypotenuse. Find the missing length, given the other two lengths.

  1. \(a=12, b=5, c={?}\)
  2. \(a={?}, b=21, c=29\)
(From Unit 8, Lesson 8.)

Problem 4

For which triangle does the Pythagorean Theorem express the relationship between the lengths of its three sides?

Triangles A, B, C, D. B is a right triangle.
(From Unit 8, Lesson 6.)

Problem 5

Andre makes a trip to Mexico. He exchanges some dollars for pesos at a rate of 20 pesos per dollar. While in Mexico, he spends 9000 pesos. When he returns, he exchanges his pesos for dollars (still at 20 pesos per dollar). He gets back \(\frac{1}{10}\) the amount he started with. Find how many dollars Andre exchanged for pesos and explain your reasoning. If you get stuck, try writing an equation representing Andre’s trip using a variable for the number of dollars he exchanged.

(From Unit 4, Lesson 5.)