Theorem 14: [Theorem of Pythagoras] In a right-angled triangle the

square of the hypotenuse is the sum of the squares of the other two
sides.
USE THE FORWARD AND THE BACK ARROWS ON THE KEYBOARD TO VIEW AND REWIND PROOF.

Triangle ABC with |BAC| = 90O

Given:
To Prove:

|BC|2 = |AB|2 + |AC|2

Construction:
Proof: B
and ADC

Draw a perpendicular from A to meet BC at D

In the triangles ABC

90o

D
90o

90o

90o
A

90o

| BAC| = |ADC|

Right angles

| BCA| = |ACD|

Same angle

ABC and ADC are equiangular.

ABC and ADC are similar.

Theorem 13

| BC | | AC |

| AC | | DC |

|AC|2 = |BC| x |DC| .Equation 1

Project Maths Development Team

In the triangles ABC and ABD

B

90o D

90o

D
90o

90o
A

| BAC| = |ADB|

Right angles

| ABC| = |ABD|

Same angle

90o

ABC and ABD are equiangular.

ABC and ABD are similar.

| BC | | AB |

| AB | | BD |

Theorem 13

|AB|2 = |BC| x |BD| .Equation 2

Adding Equation 1 and
Equation 2 2
|AC| = |BC| x |DC| Equation
1 2
|AB| = |BC| x |BD| Equation
2
2
|AC| + |AB|2 = |BC| x |DC| + |BC| x |
BD|

Project Maths Development Team 2

B
|AC|2 + |AB|2 = |BC| {|DC| + |BD|}
common

|BC| is

But |AC|2 + |AB|2 = |BC| {|DC| + |BD|}

common

|BC| is
90o

90o

But DC| + |BD| = |BC|

|AC|2 + |AB|2 = |BC| x |BC|

90o

|AC|2 + |AB|2 = |BC|2

|BC|2 = |AB|2 + |AC|2
Q.E.D.

Project Maths Development Team 2