8th Grade · Geometry
Legs
8.G.B.8
Definition
The two perpendicular sides of a right triangle. When finding distance on a coordinate plane, the legs are the horizontal and vertical changes between the points.
Examples
- Horizontal leg = 6, vertical leg = 8 → distance = √(6²+8²) = 10.
- The legs form the right angle; the distance is the hypotenuse.
Key rule
On a coordinate plane, the legs are the change in x and the change in y.
Memory hook
Horizontal and vertical changes, forming the right angle.