Special right triangles are right triangles with regular features that make calculations on the triangle easier. Recognizing the patterns inherent in special right triangles allows you to easily determine side lengths and triangle types. In this topic, you will study two types of special right triangles. They are the 45°-45°-90° and the 30°-60°-90° right triangles, both of which are named based on their angle measures.

Essential Questions

• How do you find measures of the sides of a 45°-45°-90° triangle?
• How do you find measures of the sides of a 30°-60°-90° triangle?

 

Warm-Up

Throughout this topic, you will be working with radicals as you explore special right triangles. In this non-graded interactivity, test your math skills about simplifying radicals. Click the player button to get started.