Pythagorean Theorem
Pythagorean Theorem
THEOREM
LEARNING TARGETS
2 Theorem
Define a right triangle
4 Theorem
Identify real-life
applications
INTRODUCTION
The Pythagorean
Theorem states that, in a
right triangle, the square
of the hypotenuse is
equal to the sum of the
squares of the legs.
HISTORY
The ancient Greek mathematician That said, It was likely
and philosopher Pythagoras is independently discovered in
credited with discovering this several different cultures. There
relationship in the 6th century is evidence of its use in Egypt,
BCE due to the prominence of his Babylon, and China as far back as
religious-mathematical school in the 20th century BCE.
Croton, Italy.
VISUAL PROOFS
angle.
po
leg
hy
1 2 3
Identify the two Determine which Substitute your
legs of the triangle side you are trying lengths into the
and the to find. Pythagorean
hypotenuse. Theorem equation
Note their lengths. and solve for the
missing value.
USING THE PYTHAGOREAN THEOREM
hypotenuse
1
Identify the two leg
legs of the
triangle and the
hypotenuse.
Note their
lengths.
leg
USING THE PYTHAGOREAN THEOREM
2 ?
Determine 8 in
which side you
are trying to
find.
15 in
USING THE PYTHAGOREAN THEOREM
a = 8 in
3 b = 15 in
Substitute your c=? 82 + 152 = c 2
lengths into the 2
Pythagorean 64 + 225 = c
2
Theorem equation
2
and solve for the 289 = c
missing value.
17 = c
REAL LIFE APPLICATIONS
1 2 3