Special Right Triangles

Section 8-4

45 - 45 - 90 theorem

• In a 45 - 45 - 90 triangle, the hypotenuse is radical 2 times as long as the side.

45 - 45 - 90 Triangle

2

1

145

4590

All other 45-45-90 triangles are similar to the triangle on the left.

30 -60 - 90 theorem

• In a 30 60 90 triangle, the hypotenuse is twice as long as the shorter leg, and the longer leg is radical 3 times as long as the shorter leg.

30 - 60 - 90 Triangle

3

1

230

6090

All other 30-60-90 triangles are similar to the triangle on the left.