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Pythagorean Theorem Lesson Plan
Pythagorean Theorem Lesson Plan
Pythagorean Theorem Lesson Plan
• The Pythagorean Theorem - the goal of this lesson is for students to be able to calculate
the unknown side of a right triangle, given the lengths of the other two sides.
Math 8.10
measurement; and
b) apply the Pythagorean Theorem to find the missing length of a side of a right
Learning Objectives
• The students will be able to describe and define the Pythagorean Theorem when asked
from memory.
• The students will be able to identify a right triangle and the corresponding sides that fit
the Pythagorean Theorem.
• The students will be able to recognize the Pythagorean Theorem and read it out loud
properly.
• The students will be able to identify the difference between the legs and hypotenuse of
the right triangle.
• Given two sides of the right triangle, the students will be able to solve the Pythagorean
Theorem for the missing variable.
• The students will be able to define and differentiate between when they are and are not
supposed to use the Pythagorean Theorem.
• Display warm-up exercise on first slide of the power point presentation. Students will
complete these exercises while the roll is taken. http://docs.google.com/present/view?
id=dgfn4478_4fv853tgq
1
you think you might know about the Pythagorean Theorem – even if you’re not sure it’s
correct”. (1-2 min)
• Lesson Development
• Start the PowerPoint slide show, go through each slide in detail and explain the
Pythagorean Theorem. (6-8 min) http://docs.google.com/present/view?
id=dgfn4478_4fv853tgq
• We will go through examples on the board of how to write numbers in radical
form, which is necessary in order to prepare the Pythagorean Theorem. (2-4 min)
• We will go over where the square root key is on the calculator and how the
students should use this key. (1-3 min)
• Return to the slide with the Pythagorean formula,
a2 + b2 = c2.
• Read the first problem out loud to the students and allow time for them to
calculate.
Let a = 24 and c = 25, find the other leg of the triangle, b. (2-3 min)
a2 + b2 = c2
242 + b2= 252
576 + b2 = 625
b2 = 49
b=7
a2 + b2 = c2
42 + 52 = c2
16 + 25 = c2
41 = c2
• Read the third problem out loud and have them do it at their seats with other
students. Walk around and monitor to make sure that they all understand the concept.
Have one student come up to the board and demonstrate how to do the problem. (2-3
min)
2
• Problem number three:
Let b = 5 and c = 13, find the other leg of the triangle using the Pythagorean
Theorem.
a2 + b2 = c2
a2 + 52 = 132
a2 + 25 = 169
a2 = 144
a = 12
• Announce to students that they should try to complete the fourth problem on their
own. Walk around the room and monitor to make sure that everyone understands the
concept. Have a student volunteer to come up to the board and complete the problem
for everyone to see. (2-3 min)
• Problem number four:
Let a = 3 and b = 4, find the hypotenuse of the triangle using the Pythagorean
Theorem.
a2 + b2 = c2
32 + 42 = c2
9 + 16 = c2
25 = c2
5=c
• Closure
o Ask if there are any questions, and tell the students that they are going to have a
worksheet to complete for homework on this material. (1-3 min)
o Distribute the homework handout and ask the students to put it away. (1-2 min)
Homework
Assessment
3
o Ask for a student to volunteer to tell you what the parts of the right triangle are
called. (Answer: a = leg, b = leg, c = hypotenuse)
o Formally assess when grading homework handout.
o Transition: Have students clean up their tables and return to their regular seating
arrangement. (1-3 min)
• Ask the students again when they are allowed to use the Pythagorean Theorem?
(Answer: only in right triangles)
Appended Materials
Content Organizer
• Chalkboard
• Chalk
• Erasers
• Computer
• Projector
• Projector screen
• Calculators for groups of students
• Handout for homework
• Confirm that there are an adequate number of calculators
• Arrange desks so that all students can see the projector screen clearly
• Get PowerPoint ready on the computer
• Pull down the projector screen
• Turn projector on