pythagorean Theorem

Learn the standard pythagorean triples, they'll really come in handy. 

You know, like 3-4-5 triangles. 

One triple is 9-40-41- however in this case the 41 HAS to be the hypotenuse, because it is the largest number. If the triangle you are describing does not have a hypotenuse of 41, and 41 is the base or height, then you'll have to use the pythagorean theorem, a^2 + b^2 = c^2.

Is it the hypotenuse that is missing?

If it is the hypotenuse that is missing, use the pythagorean theorem: a² + b² = c²

^a=9

^b=41

9² + 41² =  c²

^81+1681= c²

1762= c²

^{sqrt(1762)= c} 

If it is not the hypotenuse that is missing, modify the formula.

im not sure how to do this equation... find a third number so that the three numbers form a right triangle. the numbers are 9, 41, and blank, please help

$\begin{array}{rcll} x^2+9^2 &=& 41^2 \quad & | \quad -9^2 \\ x^2 &=& 41^2 - 9^2 \\ x^2 &=& 1681 - 81 \\ x^2 &=& 1600 \quad & | \quad \sqrt{} \\ x &=& \sqrt{ 1600 } \\ x &=& 40 \\ \end{array}$

The third number is 40.