Pythagorean Theorem - basics

Front

What is the Pythagorean Theorem?

Back

The Pythagorean Theorem states that in a right triangle, the square of the length of the hypotenuse (c) is equal to the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two sides (a and b). It can be expressed as: c² = a² + b².

Front

What type of triangles does the Pythagorean Theorem apply to?

Back

The Pythagorean Theorem applies only to right triangles.

Front

What is the longest side of a right triangle called?

Back

The longest side of a right triangle is called the hypotenuse.

Front

In a right triangle, which sides are referred to as legs?

Back

The two shorter sides of a right triangle are referred to as legs.

Front

If one leg of a right triangle is 3 units and the other leg is 4 units, what is the length of the hypotenuse?

Back

Using the Pythagorean Theorem: c² = 3² + 4²; c² = 9 + 16; c² = 25; c = 5 units.

Front

True or False: Side a in a right triangle is always the longest side.

Back

False. Side a can be one of the legs and is not necessarily the longest side.

Front

What is the formula to find the length of a missing side in a right triangle?

Back

The formula is c² = a² + b², where c is the hypotenuse and a and b are the legs.

Front

If the hypotenuse is 10 units and one leg is 6 units, how do you find the other leg?

Back

Use the formula: b² = c² - a²; b² = 10² - 6²; b² = 100 - 36; b² = 64; b = 8 units.

Front

What is the relationship between the sides of a right triangle?

Back

The sum of the squares of the lengths of the two legs equals the square of the length of the hypotenuse.

Front

Can the Pythagorean Theorem be used for non-right triangles?

Back

No, the Pythagorean Theorem only applies to right triangles.