Are Both Legs Equal in a 45-45-90 Triangle? Explained

Learn why both legs in a 45-45-90 triangle are equal, and how this property defines the isosceles right triangle.

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Yes, in a 45-45-90 triangle, both legs are equal due to the properties of this type of right triangle. Both angles opposite the legs are 45 degrees, making the triangle an isosceles right triangle, where the two legs are of the same length.

FAQs & Answers

  1. Why are the legs equal in a 45-45-90 triangle? Because the two angles opposite the legs are both 45 degrees, the triangle is isosceles and the legs have equal length.
  2. What is the ratio of sides in a 45-45-90 triangle? The sides are in the ratio 1 : 1 : √2, where the legs are equal and the hypotenuse is √2 times a leg.
  3. Is a 45-45-90 triangle always a right triangle? Yes, by definition a 45-45-90 triangle is a right triangle with one 90-degree angle and two 45-degree angles.