Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces (ALEKS) Basic Math Placement Practice Test

Which side of a right triangle is always opposite the largest angle measurement?

1. Adjacent side

2. Opposite side

3. Hypotenuse

4. None of the above

The correct answer is: Hypotenuse

In a right triangle, the side opposite the largest angle, which is always the right angle (measuring 90 degrees), is known as the hypotenuse. The hypotenuse is the longest side of the triangle, and it directly correlates with the largest angle. In any triangle, the side opposite the largest angle is always the longest side, and since the right angle is the largest in a right triangle, the hypotenuse meets this criterion. This characteristic distinguishes the hypotenuse from the other two sides, which are referred to as the adjacent side and opposite side in relation to the specific angles of the triangle. Thus, the hypotenuse is always the side opposite the largest angle measurement in a right triangle.