Meaning & use
hypotenuse
Last updated
Meaning
nouncountabletechnicalmathematics
The side of a right triangle that is opposite the right angle and is the longest side.
Grammar: Countable; it names one specific side, so you can say 'the hypotenuse' or 'a hypotenuse' when introducing it.
Patterns
- the hypotenuse of a triangle
- opposite the hypotenuse
In a right triangle, the hypotenuse is always the longest side.
The Pythagorean theorem relates the hypotenuse to the two shorter sides.
Draw a square on the hypotenuse to show the relationship.
Word forms
| plural | hypotenuses |
|---|
Common combinations
- the hypotenuse of a right triangle
- The hypotenuse of a right triangle is opposite the 90-degree angle.
- length of the hypotenuse
- Find the length of the hypotenuse using the Pythagorean theorem.
- opposite the right angle
- The hypotenuse lies opposite the right angle.
Commonly confused: hypotenuse or diagonal?
hypotenuse vs diagonal
A diagonal is any line that goes from one corner to a non-adjacent corner in a polygon, not necessarily in a right triangle. The hypotenuse is specifically the side opposite the right angle in a right triangle.
Practice
In a right triangle, which side is called the hypotenuse?
Choose one answer.
The hypotenuse is defined as the side opposite the right angle, and it is always the longest side. The other options describe sides that are not the hypotenuse.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “hypotenuse”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.