Basic Geometry : 45/45/90 Right Isosceles Triangles

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Basic Geometry

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #171 : 45/45/90 Right Isosceles Triangles

If the hypotenuse of a right isosceles triangle is \(\displaystyle \sqrt6\), what is the length of a side of the triangle?

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle 16\)

\(\displaystyle 2\sqrt3\)

\(\displaystyle \sqrt3\)

\(\displaystyle 12\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle \sqrt3\)

Explanation:

A right isosceles triangle is also a \(\displaystyle 45-45-90\) triangle.

13

To find the length of a side, we will need to use the Pythagorean Theorem:

\(\displaystyle a^2+b^2=c^2\)

Since this is an isosceles triangle, 

\(\displaystyle a=b\)

The Pythagorean Theorem can then be rewritten as the following:

\(\displaystyle a^2+a^2=c^2\)

\(\displaystyle 2a^2=c^2\)

Since we are trying to find the length of a side of this triangle, solve for \(\displaystyle a\).

\(\displaystyle a^2=\frac{c^2}{2}\)

Simplify.

\(\displaystyle a=\sqrt{\frac{c^2}{2}}\)

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{c}{\sqrt2}\)

Multiply the fraction by one in the form of \(\displaystyle \frac{\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{2}}\).

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{c}{\sqrt2}\times\frac{\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{2}}\)

Solve.

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{c\sqrt2}{2}\)

Now, substitute in the length of the hypotenuse in for \(\displaystyle c\) to solve for the side of the triangle in the question.

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{(\sqrt6)(\sqrt2)}{2}\)

Simplify.

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{\sqrt{12}}{2}\)

Reduce.

\(\displaystyle a=\sqrt3\)

Example Question #7 : How To Find The Length Of The Side Of A 45/45/90 Right Isosceles Triangle

If the hypotenuse of a right isosceles triangle is \(\displaystyle 2\sqrt2\), what is the length of a side of this triangle?

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle 2\)

\(\displaystyle \sqrt3\)

\(\displaystyle 4\)

\(\displaystyle \sqrt2\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle 2\)

Explanation:

A right isosceles triangle is also a \(\displaystyle 45-45-90\) triangle.

13

To find the length of a side, we will need to use the Pythagorean Theorem:

\(\displaystyle a^2+b^2=c^2\)

Since this is an isosceles triangle, 

\(\displaystyle a=b\)

The Pythagorean Theorem can then be rewritten as the following:

\(\displaystyle a^2+a^2=c^2\)

\(\displaystyle 2a^2=c^2\)

Since we are trying to find the length of a side of this triangle, solve for \(\displaystyle a\).

\(\displaystyle a^2=\frac{c^2}{2}\)

Simplify.

\(\displaystyle a=\sqrt{\frac{c^2}{2}}\)

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{c}{\sqrt2}\)

Multiply the fraction by one in the form of \(\displaystyle \frac{\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{2}}\).

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{c}{\sqrt2}\times\frac{\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{2}}\)

Solve.

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{c\sqrt2}{2}\)

Now, substitute in the length of the hypotenuse in for \(\displaystyle c\) to solve for the side of the triangle in the question.

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{(2\sqrt2)(\sqrt2)}{2}\)

Simplify.

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{\sqrt{4}}{2}\)

Reduce.

\(\displaystyle a=2\)

Example Question #4 : How To Find The Length Of The Side Of A 45/45/90 Right Isosceles Triangle

If the hypotenuse of a right isosceles triangle is \(\displaystyle \sqrt{10}\), what is the length of a side of this triangle?

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle \sqrt5\)

\(\displaystyle 2\)

\(\displaystyle \sqrt3\)

\(\displaystyle \sqrt6\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle \sqrt5\)

Explanation:

A right isosceles triangle is also a \(\displaystyle 45-45-90\) triangle.

13

To find the length of a side, we will need to use the Pythagorean Theorem:

\(\displaystyle a^2+b^2=c^2\)

Since this is an isosceles triangle, 

\(\displaystyle a=b\)

The Pythagorean Theorem can then be rewritten as the following:

\(\displaystyle a^2+a^2=c^2\)

\(\displaystyle 2a^2=c^2\)

Since we are trying to find the length of a side of this triangle, solve for \(\displaystyle a\).

\(\displaystyle a^2=\frac{c^2}{2}\)

Simplify.

\(\displaystyle a=\sqrt{\frac{c^2}{2}}\)

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{c}{\sqrt2}\)

Multiply the fraction by one in the form of \(\displaystyle \frac{\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{2}}\).

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{c}{\sqrt2}\times\frac{\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{2}}\)

Solve.

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{c\sqrt2}{2}\)

Now, substitute in the length of the hypotenuse in for \(\displaystyle c\) to solve for the side of the triangle in the question.

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{(\sqrt{10})(\sqrt2)}{2}\)

Simplify.

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{\sqrt{20}}{2}\)

Reduce.

\(\displaystyle a=\sqrt5\)

Example Question #11 : How To Find The Length Of The Side Of A 45/45/90 Right Isosceles Triangle

If the hypotenuse of a right isosceles triangle is \(\displaystyle \sqrt{14}\), what is the length of a side of the triangle?

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle \sqrt7\)

\(\displaystyle 2\sqrt{7}\)

\(\displaystyle \sqrt{15}\)

\(\displaystyle 2\sqrt2\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle \sqrt7\)

Explanation:

A right isosceles triangle is also a \(\displaystyle 45-45-90\) triangle.

13

To find the length of a side, we will need to use the Pythagorean Theorem:

\(\displaystyle a^2+b^2=c^2\)

Since this is an isosceles triangle, 

\(\displaystyle a=b\)

The Pythagorean Theorem can then be rewritten as the following:

\(\displaystyle a^2+a^2=c^2\)

\(\displaystyle 2a^2=c^2\)

Since we are trying to find the length of a side of this triangle, solve for \(\displaystyle a\).

\(\displaystyle a^2=\frac{c^2}{2}\)

Simplify.

\(\displaystyle a=\sqrt{\frac{c^2}{2}}\)

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{c}{\sqrt2}\)

Multiply the fraction by one in the form of \(\displaystyle \frac{\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{2}}\).

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{c}{\sqrt2}\times\frac{\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{2}}\)

Solve.

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{c\sqrt2}{2}\)

Now, substitute in the length of the hypotenuse in for \(\displaystyle c\) to solve for the side of the triangle in the question.

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{(\sqrt{14})(\sqrt2)}{2}\)

Simplify.

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{\sqrt{28}}{2}\)

Reduce.

\(\displaystyle a=\sqrt7\)

Example Question #172 : Triangles

If the hypotenuse of a right isosceles triangle is \(\displaystyle 12\sqrt2\), what is the length of a side of the triangle?

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle 18\)

\(\displaystyle 6\)

\(\displaystyle 12\)

\(\displaystyle 24\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle 12\)

Explanation:

A right isosceles triangle is also a \(\displaystyle 45-45-90\) triangle.

13

To find the length of a side, we will need to use the Pythagorean Theorem:

\(\displaystyle a^2+b^2=c^2\)

Since this is an isosceles triangle, 

\(\displaystyle a=b\)

The Pythagorean Theorem can then be rewritten as the following:

\(\displaystyle a^2+a^2=c^2\)

\(\displaystyle 2a^2=c^2\)

Since we are trying to find the length of a side of this triangle, solve for \(\displaystyle a\).

\(\displaystyle a^2=\frac{c^2}{2}\)

Simplify.

\(\displaystyle a=\sqrt{\frac{c^2}{2}}\)

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{c}{\sqrt2}\)

Multiply the fraction by one in the form of \(\displaystyle \frac{\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{2}}\).

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{c}{\sqrt2}\times\frac{\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{2}}\)

Solve.

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{c\sqrt2}{2}\)

Now, substitute in the length of the hypotenuse in for \(\displaystyle c\) to solve for the side of the triangle in the question.

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{(12\sqrt2)(\sqrt2)}{2}\)

Simplify.

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{24}{2}\)

Reduce.

\(\displaystyle a=12\)

Example Question #173 : Triangles

If the hypotenuse of a right isosceles triangle is \(\displaystyle 2\sqrt5\), what is the length of a side of the triangle?

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle 3\)

\(\displaystyle 4\sqrt2\)

\(\displaystyle \sqrt{10}\)

\(\displaystyle 2\sqrt3\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle \sqrt{10}\)

Explanation:

A right isosceles triangle is also a \(\displaystyle 45-45-90\) triangle.

13

To find the length of a side, we will need to use the Pythagorean Theorem:

\(\displaystyle a^2+b^2=c^2\)

Since this is an isosceles triangle, 

\(\displaystyle a=b\)

The Pythagorean Theorem can then be rewritten as the following:

\(\displaystyle a^2+a^2=c^2\)

\(\displaystyle 2a^2=c^2\)

Since we are trying to find the length of a side of this triangle, solve for \(\displaystyle a\).

\(\displaystyle a^2=\frac{c^2}{2}\)

Simplify.

\(\displaystyle a=\sqrt{\frac{c^2}{2}}\)

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{c}{\sqrt2}\)

Multiply the fraction by one in the form of \(\displaystyle \frac{\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{2}}\).

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{c}{\sqrt2}\times\frac{\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{2}}\)

Solve.

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{c\sqrt2}{2}\)

Now, substitute in the length of the hypotenuse in for \(\displaystyle c\) to solve for the side of the triangle in the question.

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{(2\sqrt5)(\sqrt2)}{2}\)

Simplify.

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{2\sqrt{10}}{2}\)

Reduce.

\(\displaystyle a=\sqrt{10}\)

Example Question #12 : How To Find The Length Of The Side Of A 45/45/90 Right Isosceles Triangle

If the hypotenuse of a right isosceles triangle is \(\displaystyle 12\sqrt{7}\), what is the length of one side of the triangle?

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle 12\)

\(\displaystyle 8\sqrt{10}\)

\(\displaystyle 6\sqrt{14}\)

\(\displaystyle 3\sqrt{22}\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle 6\sqrt{14}\)

Explanation:

A right isosceles triangle is also a \(\displaystyle 45-45-90\) triangle.

13

To find the length of a side, we will need to use the Pythagorean Theorem:

\(\displaystyle a^2+b^2=c^2\)

Since this is an isosceles triangle, 

\(\displaystyle a=b\)

The Pythagorean Theorem can then be rewritten as the following:

\(\displaystyle a^2+a^2=c^2\)

\(\displaystyle 2a^2=c^2\)

Since we are trying to find the length of a side of this triangle, solve for \(\displaystyle a\).

\(\displaystyle a^2=\frac{c^2}{2}\)

Simplify.

\(\displaystyle a=\sqrt{\frac{c^2}{2}}\)

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{c}{\sqrt2}\)

Multiply the fraction by one in the form of \(\displaystyle \frac{\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{2}}\).

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{c}{\sqrt2}\times\frac{\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{2}}\)

Solve.

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{c\sqrt2}{2}\)

Now, substitute in the length of the hypotenuse in for \(\displaystyle c\) to solve for the side of the triangle in the question.

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{(12\sqrt7)(\sqrt2)}{2}\)

Simplify.

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{12\sqrt{14}}{2}\)

Reduce.

\(\displaystyle a=6\sqrt{14}\)

Example Question #175 : Triangles

If the hypotenuse of a right isosceles triangle is \(\displaystyle 4\sqrt{3}\), what is the length of one side of the triangle?

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle 2\sqrt6\)

\(\displaystyle 8\sqrt3\)

\(\displaystyle 6\sqrt2\)

\(\displaystyle 4\sqrt6\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle 2\sqrt6\)

Explanation:

A right isosceles triangle is also a \(\displaystyle 45-45-90\) triangle.

13

To find the length of a side, we will need to use the Pythagorean Theorem:

\(\displaystyle a^2+b^2=c^2\)

Since this is an isosceles triangle, 

\(\displaystyle a=b\)

The Pythagorean Theorem can then be rewritten as the following:

\(\displaystyle a^2+a^2=c^2\)

\(\displaystyle 2a^2=c^2\)

Since we are trying to find the length of a side of this triangle, solve for \(\displaystyle a\).

\(\displaystyle a^2=\frac{c^2}{2}\)

Simplify.

\(\displaystyle a=\sqrt{\frac{c^2}{2}}\)

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{c}{\sqrt2}\)

Multiply the fraction by one in the form of \(\displaystyle \frac{\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{2}}\).

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{c}{\sqrt2}\times\frac{\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{2}}\)

Solve.

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{c\sqrt2}{2}\)

Now, substitute in the length of the hypotenuse in for \(\displaystyle c\) to solve for the side of the triangle in the question.

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{(4\sqrt3)(\sqrt2)}{2}\)

Simplify.

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{4\sqrt{6}}{2}\)

Reduce.

\(\displaystyle a=2\sqrt6\)

Example Question #176 : Triangles

If the hypotenuse of a right isosceles triangle is \(\displaystyle 9\sqrt6\), what is the length of one side of the triangle?

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle 9\sqrt2\)

\(\displaystyle 9\sqrt3\)

\(\displaystyle \frac{9\sqrt2}{2}\)

\(\displaystyle \frac{9\sqrt3}{2}\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle 9\sqrt3\)

Explanation:

A right isosceles triangle is also a \(\displaystyle 45-45-90\) triangle.

13

To find the length of a side, we will need to use the Pythagorean Theorem:

\(\displaystyle a^2+b^2=c^2\)

Since this is an isosceles triangle, 

\(\displaystyle a=b\)

The Pythagorean Theorem can then be rewritten as the following:

\(\displaystyle a^2+a^2=c^2\)

\(\displaystyle 2a^2=c^2\)

Since we are trying to find the length of a side of this triangle, solve for \(\displaystyle a\).

\(\displaystyle a^2=\frac{c^2}{2}\)

Simplify.

\(\displaystyle a=\sqrt{\frac{c^2}{2}}\)

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{c}{\sqrt2}\)

Multiply the fraction by one in the form of \(\displaystyle \frac{\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{2}}\).

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{c}{\sqrt2}\times\frac{\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{2}}\)

Solve.

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{c\sqrt2}{2}\)

Now, substitute in the length of the hypotenuse in for \(\displaystyle c\) to solve for the side of the triangle in the question.

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{(9\sqrt6)(\sqrt2)}{2}\)

Simplify.

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{9\sqrt{12}}{2}\)

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{18\sqrt3}{2}\)

Reduce.

\(\displaystyle a=9\sqrt3\)

Example Question #177 : Triangles

If the hypotenuse of a right isosceles triangle is \(\displaystyle 128\), what is the length of a side of the triangle?

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle 64\)

\(\displaystyle 64\sqrt2\)

\(\displaystyle 128\)

\(\displaystyle 32\sqrt3\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle 64\sqrt2\)

Explanation:

A right isosceles triangle is also a \(\displaystyle 45-45-90\) triangle.

13

To find the length of a side, we will need to use the Pythagorean Theorem:

\(\displaystyle a^2+b^2=c^2\)

Since this is an isosceles triangle, 

\(\displaystyle a=b\)

The Pythagorean Theorem can then be rewritten as the following:

\(\displaystyle a^2+a^2=c^2\)

\(\displaystyle 2a^2=c^2\)

Since we are trying to find the length of a side of this triangle, solve for \(\displaystyle a\).

\(\displaystyle a^2=\frac{c^2}{2}\)

Simplify.

\(\displaystyle a=\sqrt{\frac{c^2}{2}}\)

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{c}{\sqrt2}\)

Multiply the fraction by one in the form of \(\displaystyle \frac{\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{2}}\).

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{c}{\sqrt2}\times\frac{\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{2}}\)

Solve.

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{c\sqrt2}{2}\)

Now, substitute in the length of the hypotenuse in for \(\displaystyle c\) to solve for the side of the triangle in the question.

\(\displaystyle a=\frac{128(\sqrt2)}{2}\)

Simplify.

\(\displaystyle a=64\sqrt2\)

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors