The areas of the squares created by the side lengths of the triangle are shown. Which best explains whether this triangle is a right triangle?

3 squares combine to form a triangle. The squares have areas 9 inches squared, 12 inches squared, 15 inches squared.

[Not drawn to scale]

a. Based on the converse of the Pythagorean theorem, the triangle is a right triangle because 9 squared + 12 squared = 15 squared.
b. Based on the converse of the Pythagorean theorem, the triangle is not a right triangle because 9 + 12 not-equals 15.
c. Based on the converse of the Pythagorean theorem, the triangle is not a right triangle because 9 squared + 12 squared not-equals 15 squared.
d. Based on the converse of the Pythagorean theorem, the triangle is not a right triangle because 9 + 15 not-equals 12.