is the hypotenuse always the longest side
In a right triangle, the hypotenuse is the longest side, an opposite side is the one across from a given angle, and an adjacent side is next to a given angle. 1  We use special words to describe the sides of right triangles. 2  The hypotenuse of a right triangle is always the side opposite the right angle. It is the longest side in a right triangle. The other two sides are called the opposite and adjacent sides. These sides are labeled in relation to an angle. The opposite side is across from a given angle.