the sides of a right triangle are labeled a, b, and c. Can a+b=c?

No, the equation for any sort of side length to equal c is this.

\(\sqrt{a^2+b^2}=c\)

Think of it like parentheses where you have to do things inside of the radical symbol first.

No.....the sum of any two sides of a triangle have to be greater than the remaining side.....

If a + b = c.....we would just have straight line and no triangle woulld be formed....