Hey Class! Let’s learn some new concept today.

The Baudhayana theorem, also known as the Pythagoras Theorem

By Ajinkya Jadhav

Pythagoras Theorem:
One of the most basic and important topics in Mathematics, which describes the relation between
the sides of a right-angled triangle. Pythagoras theorem is basically used to find the length of an
unknown side and angle of a triangle. Additionally, it also helps to derive base, perpendicular
and hypotenuse formula.
The theorem states that “The square of the hypotenuse side is equal to the sum of squares of
the other two sides, in a right-angled triangle.” The sides of this triangle have been named as
Perpendicular, Base and Hypotenuse. Here, the hypotenuse is the longest side, as it is opposite
to the angle 90°. The sides of a right triangle (say a, b and c) which have positive integer values,
when squared, are put into an equation, also called a Pythagorean triple.
Formula:
Consider the triangle given above,
where “a” is the perpendicular,
“b” is the base,
“c” is the hypotenuse.
By the definition, the Pythagoras Theorem formula is given as:
Hypotenuse2 = Perpendicular2 + Base2
c 2 = a 2 + b2
Remember: The side opposite to the right angle (90°) is the longest side (known as Hypotenuse)
because the side opposite to the greatest angle is the longest.
Proof:
By applying the properties of similar triangle,
we know, △ADB ~ △ABC

Therefore, ADAB=ABAC (corresponding sides of similar triangles)

Or, AB2 = AD × AC ……………………………..……..(1)
Also, △BDC ~△ABC as seen

Therefore, CDBC=BCAC (corresponding sides of similar triangles)

Or, BC2= CD × AC ……………………………………..(2)
Adding the equations (1) and (2) we get,
AB2 + BC2 = AD × AC + CD × AC
AB2 + BC2 = AC (AD + CD)
Now since, AD + CD = AC
Therefore, AC2 = AB2 + BC2
Hence, the Pythagorean theorem is proved.
Note: The Pythagorean theorem is only applicable to Right-Angled triangles.
Example
Let’s see an example of the theorem,
Consider a right triangle, given below,
Find the value of x.

Solution:
X is the side opposite to right angle, hence it is a hypotenuse.
Now, by the theorem we know;
Hypotenuse2 = Base2 + Perpendicular2
x2 = 92 + 122
x2 = 81+144 = 225
x = √225 = 15
Therefore, the value of x is 15.

Excited for this journey, let’s learn and explore the bits and pieces, the fundamentals of
mathematics.