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Understanding the Pythagorean Theorem

The Pythagorean Theorem defines the relationship between the sides of a right triangle, stating that the square of the hypotenuse equals the sum of the squares of the legs. It has historical significance, attributed to Pythagoras, and has been independently discovered in various ancient cultures. The theorem is applicable in real-life scenarios such as architecture, navigation, and sports, and serves as a foundation for further mathematical concepts like trigonometry.

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Bahati Abdulkarim
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43 views13 pages

Understanding the Pythagorean Theorem

The Pythagorean Theorem defines the relationship between the sides of a right triangle, stating that the square of the hypotenuse equals the sum of the squares of the legs. It has historical significance, attributed to Pythagoras, and has been independently discovered in various ancient cultures. The theorem is applicable in real-life scenarios such as architecture, navigation, and sports, and serves as a foundation for further mathematical concepts like trigonometry.

Uploaded by

Bahati Abdulkarim
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

THE PYTHAGOREAN

THEOREM
LEARNING TARGETS

1 Define the Pythagorean

2 Theorem
Define a right triangle

3 Apply the Pythagorean

4 Theorem
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 That said, It was likely independently
philosopher Pythagoras is credited discovered in several different
with discovering this relationship in cultures. There is evidence of its use
the 6th century BCE due to the in Egypt, Babylon, and China as far
prominence of his religious- back as the 20th century BCE.
mathematical school in Croton, Italy.
VISUAL PROOFS

The Pythagorean Theorem has 16


been proved through hundred of
methods and new proofs are still
being discovered. 9
Here is an example of a visual 25
proof showing the squares of the
sides. Notice, 9 + 16 = 25!
UNDERSTANDING
RIGHT TRIANGLES
se
nu

A right triangle is any triangle with one right


te

angle.
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 Determine which side Substitute your
of the triangle and the you are trying to find. lengths into the
hypotenuse. Pythagorean Theorem
Note their lengths. equation and 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=? 82 + 152 = c 2
lengths into the 2
Pythagorean 64 + 225 = c
2

Theorem equation
2
and solve for the 289 = c
missing value.
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?

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