The Pythagorean Theorem

Created by G. Antidormi 2003

What is the Pythagorean
Theorem used for?
• to find the length of a
missing side in a right
triangle
n
5

Created by G. Antidormi 2003

4
Pythagorean Theorem
Formula
• a 2 + b2 = c 2
c represents
a and b the
represent hypotenuse
the legs
Created by G. Antidormi 2003
 a c
hypotenuse
leg

b
leg
Created by G. Antidormi 2003
Important bits of information
• The Pythagorean Theorem can only be
used on a right triangle.
• The legs are always the sides adjacent
(next to) the 90 degree angle.
• It does not matter which leg is a and
which leg is b.
• c is always the hypotenuse (the slant)
Created by G. Antidormi 2003
What is the length of the
hypotenuse in the triangle below?
a2 + b2 = c2 h
2
4

Created by G. Antidormi 2003

Plug in the value for each variable
in the formula.

Created by G. Antidormi 2003

What is the length of the hypotenuse
in the triangle below?
h
2
a + b = c
2 2 2

2 2 + 4 2 = h2 4
4 + 16 = h2
20 = h2

Created by G. Antidormi 2003

What is the length of the
hypotenuse in the triangle below?
h
a + b = c
2 2 2
2
22 + 42 = h2
4 + 16 = h2 4
20 = h2
20 = h
4.47 ~
~ h Created by G. Antidormi 2003
Try this one . . .
Find the hypotenuse of the
right triangle below?
4 6

Created by G. Antidormi 2003

Find the hypotenuse of the right triangle
below?
a2 + b2 = c2 4
42 + 62 = h2 6
16 + 36 = h2 h
52 = h2
52 = h
7.21 = hCreated by G. Antidormi 2003
Try this one . . .
What is the length of the missing
leg in the triangle below?
a2 + b2 = c2 5
3
x

Created by G. Antidormi 2003

Find the hypotenuse of the right triangle
below?
a2 + b2 = c2 5
3
3 +x = 5
2 2 2

9 + x2 = 25 x
-9 - 9
x2 = 16
x= 16
x=4 Created by G. Antidormi 2003