top of page
Pythagorean Theorem
See It in Action
Two examples of the idea done right—and one common look-alike that is not right.
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE
NON-EXAMPLE
Definition
The Pythagorean Theorem is a fundamental principle in geometry that relates the sides of a right triangle.
It states that:
a^2 + b^2 = c^2
Where:
a and b are the legs (the two shorter sides of the right triangle)
c is the hypotenuse (the longest side, opposite the right angle)
In Words:
The square of the length of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the lengths of the legs.
Example:
3^2 + 4^2 = 9 + 16 = 25 = 5^2
So the hypotenuse is 5.
bottom of page