The altitude drawn to the hypotenuse of a right triangle forms two congruent triangles

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The altitude drawn to the hypotenuse of a right triangle forms two congruent triangles

Let $BC$ be the hypotenuse, $AH$ the altitude corresponding to $BC$ and $AM$ the median that corresponds to $BC$.

Due to a theorem, we have that $AM=\dfrac{BC}2=BM=MC$. Thus, we have 2 isosceles triangles $\triangle ABM, \triangle AMC$.

So, we have that $$\angle ABM=\angle BAM=x \text{ and } \angle MAC =\angle ACM=y.$$

Moreover, $\angle HMA=2y$ as exterior angle of $\triangle AMC$.

Working in the right triangle $\triangle HMA$, we have that the blue angle is: $$\angle HAM=90^\circ-2y\, (1)$$

However, $$x+y=90^\circ\, (2)$$

From (1), (2) we have that the blue angle is: $$\angle HAM =90^\circ-2y=x+y-2y=x-y.$$

Note: Without loss of generality, we considered $\hat B > \hat C$.

  • D. makes no sense at all. An equilateral triangle has no hypotenuse. C. is obviously not correct unless the right triangle is 45-45-90. A. An altitude drawn to a leg of a right triangle would follow one side and not divide the triangle at all

    What does that leave you with?

  • Which is the hypotenuse-leg theorem?
    A. If the hypotenuse and one leg of a right triangle are similar to the corresponding parts of another right triangle, then the triangles are congruent. B. If the hypotenuse is congruent to the corresponding part of another right triangle, then the triangles are congruent. C. If the hypotenuse and one leg of a right triangle are congruent to the corresponding parts of another right triangle, then the triangles are equilateral. D. If the hypotenuse and one leg of a right triangle are congruent to the corresponding parts of another right triangle, then the triangles are congruent.