Converse of the Pythagorean Theorem

Converse of the Pythagorean Theorem

The idea of the converse of the pythagorean theorem is that IF we can use a squared plus b squared equals c squared on a right triangle... THEN ...

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​If this then that...

We can also determine if something is a right triangle if it works with a squared plus b squared equals c squared.

If this then that...

Sarah is looking at a triangle with the side lengths of 9, 12, and 15. Is it a right triangle?

Step 1: Find the hypotenuse (it's going to be the biggest number in the list because the hypotenuse is the longest)

Step 2: Note that the other two lengths are going to be legs.

Step 3: Plug the numbers into the formula and simplify. IF you end up with a true statement at the end, the lengths are a right triangle!

Let's Try It

Multiple Choice

Does a triangle with these side lengths exist?

15, 12, 9

• Yes

• No

Poll

How are you feeling about the converse of the Pythagorean Theorem?

• Totally Lost

• Kinda Get It

• Got It

• I Can Teach It!

Multiple Choice

If three sides of a right triangle are 5, 3, and 4, which side is the hypotenuse?

• 5
• 3
• 4

Multiple Choice

Given the 3 lengths of a triangle are 6 in, 8 in and 10 in.  Will this make a right triangle?

• yes
• no

Multiple Choice

You need a ladder that will reach up a 25 foot tall house when placed 10 feet away from the house. How tall does the ladder need to be?

• 25 feet
• 26 feet
• 27 feet
• 28 feet