Pythagorean Theorem

By
Lee Duval

Different Triangles
As you know there are different kinds
of triangles
Right Triangle
Isosceles Triangle
Equilateral Triangle

The Pythagorean Theorem only

works with one kind

Right Triangles
A right triangle means they have one
angle of 90 degrees. Right triangles
can have two sides of the same
length or all three can have different
lengths. This is the type of triangle
used for the Pythagorean Theorem. It
is important that you can identify the
type of triangle if you are going to be
using the Pythagorean Theorem.

Identifying Sides
All triangles have three sides. Most of
the time they are labeled A, B, & C.
Sides A and B are interchangeable
with each other, but not with side C.
Side C has several characteristics
that make it unique.
Always the longest side
Always opposite the 90 degree angle
Has a special name: Hypotenuse

Examples of Three Labeled

Sides

Hypotenuse
The longest side of the triangle is
called the hypotenuse
The hypotenuse is across from the 90
angle in a right triangle
The hypotenuse is always labeled C
of a correctly labeled right triangle

Examples of Right Triangle With

Hypotenuse

Rotated Triangles
Dont let the rotation of a triangle
throw you off.
Remember the characteristics of the
hypotenuse or side C
Side C is always the same no matter
how the triangle is rotated

Review
Remember the Pythagorean Theorem
only uses right triangles
The sides are labeled A, B, C
Side A and B are interchangeable
Side C is the longest
Side C is opposite of 90 degree angle
Side C is called the hypotenuse
Dont let the rotation throw you off