Pythagoras theorem states that :-

“ In a right-angled triangle, the square of the hypotenuse side is equal to the sum
of squares of the other two sides of the triangle ”

According to Pythagoras theorem

(AC)2 = (AB)2 + (BC)2 (AC)2 =(AB)2  + (BC)2

Proof:
Given, a ΔABC in which  ∠ABC is 900
Construction: Draw a perpendicular BD on AC i.e. BD ⊥ AC.

In ΔABD and ΔABC  we have,

∠BAD = ∠BAC i.e.  ∠A is common in both triangles.

∠ABC = ∠ADB = 900 ;

Therefore ΔABC∼ΔABD  ( By AA similarity i.e. angle-angle similarity)

So, ⇒ AD/AB = AB/AC

⇒ AB 2 = AD×AC  ... (1)

In ΔBDC and ΔABC   we have,

∠BCD = ∠BCA  i.e.  ∠C is common in both triangles.
∠ABC = ∠ADC = 900 ;
Therefore ΔABC∼ΔBDC   (By AA similarity i.e. angle-angle similarity)

So ,

⇒ DC/BC=BC/AC
⇒BC2 = AC × DC  ... (2)

Adding equation (1) and (2) , we get

⇒ AB2 + BC2 = AD×AC + AC× DC `

⇒ AB2 + BC2 = AC (AD + DC)
⇒ AB2 + BC2 = AC(AC)
⇒ AB2 + BC2 = AC2
Hence, proved.

Note: In a right angled triangle, hypotenuse is the longest side of the triangle and is
opposite to the right angle i.e. 900 . By drawing a perpendicular from point B and
dividing the triangle ABC into 2 parts and using angle-angle similarity to prove the
Pythagoras theorem.

Some real life applications to introduce the concept of Pythagoras’s theorem :

 Painting on a Wall - Painters use ladders to paint on high buildings and often use
the help of Pythagoras’ theorem to complete their work. The painter needs to
determine how tall a ladder needs to be in order to safely place the base away
from the wall so it won’t tip over.

 What Size TV Should You Buy - Tv size is always given in terms of diagonal.
Suppose a tv size is given 32 inch, then it’s size is actually the value of the
diagonal or hypotenuse.

 We can use the Pythagoras theorem to calculate electronic components such as

tv screens, computer screens, solar panels, etc.

 Pythagoras theorem is used in meteorology and aerospace to determine the

sound source and its range.

( Jain, 2021)