THE PYTHAGOREAN

THEOREM
 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
philosopher Pythagoras is credited with
discovering this relationship in the 6th century
BCE due to the prominence of his religious-
mathematical school in Croton, Italy.
That said, It was likely independently
discovered in several different cultures. There is
evidence of its use in Egypt, Babylon, and
China as far back as the 20th century BCE.
 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?