The Pythagorean Theorem

By: Angela Hand

Pythagoras Born in Samos, Greece during the sixth century

B.C. Greek philosopher and mathematician Declared that numbers could uncover the secrets

of the universe, limiting and giving shape to matter Discovered Pythagorean Theorem

Use of the Pythagorean Theorem: The Pythagorean theorem is used

to find the length of the missing side in a right triangle.

Important facts Pythagorean theorem can only be

used in right triangles Legs are always the sides adjacent

to the 90 degree angle (next to) It does not matter which leg is a or

b Hypotenuse is always the longest

leg called c.

What is a right triange? A right triangle is a triangle with

90 degree angle.

Formula

a and b represent the legs c represents the hypotenuse

How formula works... Determine legs and the

Hypotenuse

leg

leg

hypotenuse

Right angle

Steps 1. Find legs and hypotenuse 2. Square the legs (a,b) 3. Add legs together 4. Square root the answer 5. Answer is the length of the

hypotenuse [c]

Square both legs and add 42 + 32 = c2

16 + 9 = c2

Square root answer (hypotenuse) 16 + 9 = 25 42 + 32 = 52

All together

Proof

Example problem Finding a leg

Example 2 Find the hypotenuse

Applications Uses:

• Designing of ramps. Whether a handicap accessible ramp of a skateboard ramp.

• Computing distance between two points, such as in bases in baseball.

Theorem calculator and video Calculator Video

Citation "Pythagoras Biography - Life,

Name, History, School, Son, Information, Born, Time." Encyclopedia of World Biography. Web. 19 Oct. 2010. <http://www.notablebiographies.com/Pu-Ro/Pythagoras.html>.