Answer
1. By definition, the altitude of a triangle forms a right angle with the side opposite the top of the triangle.
2. Since there is a right angle formed, two right triangles are created.
3. Thus altitude is a leg of these right triangles, while the sides containing the vertex of the altitude are each a hypotenuse.
4. The hypotenuse is always longer than either leg of a right triangle.
5. Thus, the sides containing the vertex of the altitude are longer than the altitude.
