-
The Pythagorean Theorem
In this module, you will be working with square roots. If you have a scientific calculator at home, great- there is a square root button! Most likely you will have to use the 2nd key.
If you are working on an Apple device (iphone, iPad), dont worry. To find a square root on your calculator:
1) Turn your device sideways to open more options.
2) Type in your number
3) Press this button:
Ta da!
Short Cut: to square a number quickly, you can type in the number and hit the button above the square root 😉
(If you have another device I'm sure the functions are similar, but I am only familiar with Apple- sorry!)
-
The Pythagorean Theorem is used to find the third side of a right triangle. It was discoved by a mathemetician, Pythagoras, in ancient Greece and is still used today! Check out the videos at the bottom of the page to see some modern applications 😃
The Pythagorean Theorem states that the square of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the legs. This means that if you square the length of each side, the two legs will add up to the hypotenuse. The Pythagorean Theorem is demonstrated by the equation a2 + b2 = c2.
Leg- one of the two sides that make up the right angle in the triangle (they make an L shape); sides a and b in the equation
Hypotenuse- the longest side of the triangle, always found across from the right angle (the diagonal side of the right triangle); side c in the equation
-
How do I use the Pythagorean Theorem??
Start with the equation a2 + b2 = c2. Substitute the two values you know, and solve your equation for the missing side.
Short-cut method!
To find the hypotenuse: Square the numbers, add them, then take the square root of the sum
To find a leg: Square the numbers, subtract them, then take the square root of the difference.
Examples:
