STANDARD
DEVIATION
LEARNING TARGETS
1 Define the Pythagorean Theorem
2 Define a right triangle
3 Apply the Pythagorean Theorem
4 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 and That said, It was likely independently
philosopher Pythagoras is credited with discovered in several different cultures. There is
discovering this relationship in the 6th century evidence of its use in Egypt, Babylon, and
BCE due to the prominence of his religious- China as far back as the 20th century BCE.
mathematical school in Croton, Italy.
VISUAL PROOFS
The Pythagorean Theorem has been 16
proved through hundred of methods and
new proofs are still being discovered.
9
Here is an example of a visual proof
showing the squares of the sides. Notice, 9 25
+ 16 = 25!
UNDERSTANDING
RIGHT TRIANGLES
e
nus
A right triangle is any triangle with one right angle.
ote
hyp
leg
The two sides that form the right angle are called the legs. The
side opposite the right angle is called the hypotenuse.
A right angle creates many special relationships between the
leg sides and angles of the triangle and is the basis of the
mathematical branch of trigonometry.
USING THE PYTHAGOREAN THEOREM
1 2 3
Identify the two legs of the Determine which side you Substitute your lengths into
triangle and the hypotenuse. are trying to find. the Pythagorean Theorem
Note their lengths. equation and solve for the
missing value.
USING THE PYTHAGOREAN THEOREM
hypotenuse
1
Identify the two legs of leg
the triangle and the
hypotenuse.
Note their lengths.
leg
USING THE PYTHAGOREAN THEOREM
2 ?
Determine which side 8 in
you are trying to find.
15 in
USING THE PYTHAGOREAN THEOREM
a = 8 in
3 b = 15 in
Substitute your lengths c=?
28 + 15 2= c 2
into the Pythagorean 2
Theorem equation and 64 + 225 = c
2
solve for the missing
2
value. 289 = c
17 = c
REAL LIFE APPLICATIONS
1 2 3
Building and Navigation and Games and sports
architecture GPS
SUMMARY
The Pythagorean Theorem describes the relationship
between the sides of a right triangle.
It can be used to find the missing side of a right triangle, which can
be applied to solve many real-life problems.
Understanding the Pythagorean Theorem is a great foundation for learning
trigonometry, the distance formula, and more!
What other examples can you think of for using the
Pythagorean Theorem in your life?