Pythagorean Theorem

The Pythagorean Theorem

The Pythagorean Theorem is used to find the unknown side measure in a right triangle. You may remember the Pythagorean Theorem from Geometry.

Poll

The formula for the Pythagorean Theorem is below. Does this formula seem familiar to you?

 $a^2+b^2=c^2$  

• Yes!

• A little bit

• Not at all!

Parts of a Right Triangle

• Hypotenuse - Side across from (opposite) the right angle

• Legs - The other 2 sides

In this triangle, the side labeled 65 is the hypotenuse because it is opposite the right angle. 

Multiple Choice

Which side is the hypotenuse in this right triangle?

• 5

• 12

• 13