Pythagorean Theorem

p.908

2 2 2
a b =c

Robert C. Gonzalez
CE Instructor, San Antonio College
 Background
● Is used to find a missing side a “right
triangle”.
● Developed by Greek mathematician
Pythagoras around 500 BCE.
● ONLY applies to “right triangles”
(Triangles with a 90 degree angle).
● Known by the following equation:
2 2 2
a b =c
 Required Knowledge
● Must be able to identify a “right triangle.”
● Must be able to identify the “hypotenuse.”
● Must know the rules of Order of Operation
(Aunt Sally).
● Must know how to solve a two step
equation.
 Key Facts:
● Hypotenuse is the side opposite of the
right angle.
● Legs are the two other sides of a right
triangle.
● When using the formula, the hypotenuse
is ALWAYS:
2
c
Parts of a “Right Triangle”

hypotenuse
leg

leg
 Build around hypotenuse
Either version is acceptable IF the
hypotenuse is “c”.

2 2
2
c 2
c
a b
2 2
b a
Solve using 2 2 2
a b =c

x 24

7
Solve using 2 2 2
a b =c
Hint: You already have “c”.

5
3
x