What is the term for the side opposite the right angle in a right triangle?

In a right triangle, the side opposite the right angle is known as the hypotenuse. This is a fundamental concept in trigonometry and geometry. The hypotenuse is the longest side of a right triangle and plays a crucial role in the Pythagorean theorem, which states that the square of the length of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two sides.

The hypotenuse's significance extends beyond its length; it is involved in various mathematical calculations, including trigonometric ratios such as sine, cosine, and tangent. For example, in a right triangle, the sine of an angle is defined as the ratio of the length of the side opposite the angle to the length of the hypotenuse.

On the other hand, the opposite side refers to the side across from a given angle (not the right angle), while the adjacent side is the side that forms the angle with the hypotenuse. The base is typically used to describe the horizontal leg of a triangle when it is positioned in a way that one side is lying along the x-axis in a Cartesian plane.

Understanding these definitions is essential for solving problems related to right triangles and applying trigonometric functions effectively.