Geometry · Similarity & Right Triangles

Leg

HSG-SRT.C.8

Definition

One of the two sides of a right triangle that form the right angle.

Examples

  • In a 3-4-5 right triangle, the sides of length 3 and 4 are the legs.
  • The two legs meet at the right angle, forming the 90 degree corner.

Key rule

A right triangle has exactly two legs and one hypotenuse.

Memory hook

The two shorter sides that form the right angle.