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 25
showing the squares of the sides.
Notice, 9 + 16 = 25!
 UNDERSTANDING
RIGHT TRIANGLES
se
nu

A right triangle is any triangle with one right angle.

te
po

leg
hy

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

leg between the 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 Determine which side Substitute your lengths
the triangle and the you are trying to find. into the Pythagorean
hypotenuse. Theorem equation and
Note their lengths. solve for the missing
value.
USING THE PYTHAGOREAN THEOREM

hypotenuse
1
Identify the two legs leg
of the triangle and
the hypotenuse.
Note their lengths.

leg
USING THE PYTHAGOREAN THEOREM

2 ?
Determine which 8 in
side you are
trying to find.

15 in
 USING THE PYTHAGOREAN THEOREM

a = 8 in
3 b = 15 in
Substitute your c = ? 8 + 15 = c
2 2 2

lengths into the 2

Pythagorean Theorem 64 + 225 = c
2

equation and solve for

2
the missing value. 289 = c
17 = c
REAL LIFE APPLICATIONS

1 2 3

Building and Navigation Games and

architecture and GPS sports
 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?