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There is a Pythagorean theorem that actually works for every triangle. Its just that for right triangles it can be simplified to A2+B2=C2 due to the properties of cosines. The law of cosines states that for a triangle with sides A, B, and C, and angles a, b, and c (with side C being opposite angle c), C2 = A2 + B2 - (2 x A x B x cos c). This formula will work for any triangle. Now imagine that we are talking about a right triangle, with side C the hypotenuse (just like in the classic Pythagorean theorem) and angle c the right angle. The cosine of a 90 degree angle is 0, which means that the part in bold would completely drop out of the equation, leaving us with A2+B2=C2 . The cosine of any other angle possible on a triangle would result in some other number, making A2+B2=C2 not work.

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Q: Why does the Pythagorean theorem work on only right triangles?
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Related questions

What triangles does Pythagoras theorem include?

The Pythagorean theorem only includes right triangles


Does Pythagorean Theorem apply to triangles?

Yes. But only right triangles.


Is the Pythagorean theorem is true for all similar triangles?

Only right triangles.


Does the pythagorean theorem only apply to right triangles?

Yes.


Does the Pythagorean Theorem work on all triangles?

No, the pythagorean theorem only works on right triangles, but it will work on any right triangle. This is because the Pythagorean Theorem states that length of Leg A squared plus the length of Leg B Squared equals the length of the hypotenuse squared. A hypotenuse is always found opposite a right angle. Only right triangles have right angles; therefore, the Pythagorean Theorem only applies to right triangles. :D


Can Pythagorean Theorem be used on all types of triangles?

No it can only be used with right angle triangles.


Can the pythagorean theorem can be used for any type of triangle?

No. The Pythagorean theorem applies only to right triangles...those containing a right angle (90 degrees).


What type of triangle proves the pythagorean theorerm?

The Pythagorean Theorem applies only to right triangles. (But they don't prove it.)


The dose the Pythagorean Theorem only work on right triangles?

I quote " The square on the hypotenuse of a rightangled triangle..."


Explain in the pythagorean theorem must be a right triangle?

yes it only apllies to the right triangle and "c" is the hypotnuse of the triangles


How do you solve a pythagorean theorem?

The formula is A2 + B2 = C2. This theorem only works for right triangles. A and B are the legs and C is the hypotenuse.


What are the aspects of pythagores theorem?

Pythagoras invented the Pythagorean Theorem of course, but it only can work for right triangles, not any other triangle. The formula is- A2+B2=C2