I saw someone answer a√2 = diagonal of a square on openstudy. Why is that? Please explain using pythagora's therom if possible.

Question

geerky42 · Answer

For number 2, just think of right triangle with one adjustable angle starting at 90 degrees. |dw:1402146709626:dw|
What will happen to a if that angle become smaller and smaller (acute)?
what about if it get bigger and bigger? (obtuse)

anonymous · Answer

@geerky42 Thanks for your prompt answer :) I'm still a little confused - if it does become smaller or bigger, how can I answer it? I still don't really get > or <. I saw the formula by someone on openstudy so I'm just curious because I only know pythagora's therom. All the same, thank you for your time answering! :)

mathmale · Answer

I'd suggest you post just one question at a time.

I'll focus on your first question:  "1. I saw someone answer a√2 = diagonal of a square on openstudy. Why is that? Please explain using pythagora's therom if possible."

If and when we're discussing "right" triangles (that is, triangles that have ONE 90 degree angle each), the SQUARE of the length of the hypotenuse (that is, of the longest side) is equal to the SUM of the SQUARES of the lengths of the other two sides:|dw:1402147082720:dw|