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Because that is the accepted convention. The hypotenuse is the longest side of a right triangle, the side opposite the right angle. The term comes from the Greek, hypoteinousa, meaning "to stretch", and was used by Plato in the Timeus 54d and by other ancient authors. For more information, please see the Related Link below.

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Q: Why is the side opposite of the right triangle called a hypotenuse?
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