GED Math Practice Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The Pythagorean theorem specifically pertains to right triangles. This theorem states that in a right triangle, the square of the length of the hypotenuse (the side opposite the right angle) is equal to the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two sides. This relationship only holds true for right triangles, which are defined by having one angle that measures exactly 90 degrees.

The importance of the right triangle in the Pythagorean theorem cannot be overstated, as it serves as the foundational concept for many applications in geometry, trigonometry, and various fields such as engineering and physics. This theorem allows for the calculation of distances, angles, and can be used to solve practical problems involving right-angled structures.

In contrast, the other types of triangles—equilateral, isosceles, and scalene—do not possess the specific angle measurement that characterizes right triangles, making them irrelevant to the Pythagorean theorem. Thus, the correct answer highlights the unique nature of right triangles in the context of this mathematical principle.