Discover a wealth of knowledge at Westonci.ca, where experts provide answers to your most pressing questions. Experience the ease of finding quick and accurate answers to your questions from professionals on our platform. Explore comprehensive solutions to your questions from a wide range of professionals on our user-friendly platform.

In a 45-45-90 right triangle, what is the ratio of the length of one leg to the length of the other leg?

A. [tex]\(\sqrt{2}: 1\)[/tex]
B. [tex]\(1: 1\)[/tex]
C. [tex]\(1: \sqrt{2}\)[/tex]
D. [tex]\(2: 1\)[/tex]


Sagot :

To determine the ratio of the length of one leg to the length of the other leg in a 45-45-90 right triangle, we start by understanding the properties of this special type of triangle.

A 45-45-90 triangle is a right triangle where the two non-right angles are both 45 degrees. This is one of the special triangles, and it has the following properties:

1. It is an isosceles right triangle, meaning the legs opposite the 45-degree angles are congruent (equal in length).
2. The hypotenuse (the side opposite the right angle) is [tex]\( \sqrt{2} \)[/tex] times the length of each leg.

Since both legs of the triangle are equal, we denote the length of each leg as [tex]\( x \)[/tex]. Thus, the leg lengths are equal to [tex]\( x \)[/tex].

Given that the legs are congruent, the ratio of the length of one leg to the length of the other leg is simply:

[tex]\[ \frac{x}{x} = 1 \][/tex]

Thus, the ratio of the length of one leg to the length of the other leg in a 45-45-90 right triangle is 1:1.

Therefore, the correct answer is:
[tex]\[ \boxed{1:1} \][/tex]