Exploring the Pythagorean Theorem

You will each be given a bag of M&Ms. This bag of M&Ms has EXACTLY the number of M&Ms you need to complete this activity. It is very important you do not lose or eat any M&Ms before the activity is completed. Below is a chart that you will complete for each of the corresponding triangles on the Triangle Sheet you were given. Complete all of Triangle 1 before you move on to Triangle 2, and so on. You will be looking for a relationship between the sides of each triangle. Triangle # of whole M&Ms on side # of whole M&Ms on side # of whole M&Ms on side 1 2 3

Triangle

What do you notice about the sum

in each of our triangles?

What do you think this means about right triangles? Do you think we can conclude this about every right triangle?

(As a class) The Pythagorean Theorem: