The Pythagorean Theorem

Topics for Today:

A special relationship exists with the lengths of the sides of a right triangle.  A famous Greek mathematician and philosopher by the name of Pythagoras proved its existence many years ago, although there is evidence that the ancient Babylonians knew of the relationship many centuries before.

The theorem states that if you have a right triangle (a triangle with one 90-degree angle), that the sum of the squares of its sides is equal to the square of the hypotenuse (the longest side).

Vocabulary: hypotenuse, leg, Pythagorean Theorem

Sections Covered in Textbook:

11-2: The Pythagorean Theorem (pages 584-590)

Resources & Tutorials:

1) What is the Pythagorean Theorem?
2) If you have the sides of a triangle, how can you tell if it's a right triangle?
3) Math is Fun - Pythagorean Triples
4) Pythagorean Theorem Class Notes