Pythagorean Theorem Word Problems Challenge

This lesson focuses on solving word problems using the Pythagorean theorem. It emphasizes the importance of drawing pictures to identify right triangles in problems. The video covers four examples: a ladder leaning against a house, calculating the distance between two houses, determining the distance for a guy wire from a flagpole, and finding the width of a rectangle using its diagonal. Each example demonstrates how to apply the Pythagorean theorem to find the hypotenuse or a missing side, highlighting the need for careful calculation and labeling of units.

What is a crucial strategy for solving word problems involving the Pythagorean theorem?

• Using a calculator

• Skipping difficult problems

• Drawing pictures

• Memorizing formulas

What is the formula for the Pythagorean theorem?

• a^2 + b^2 = c^2

• a^2 - b^2 = c^2

• 2a + 2b = c

• a^2 + c^2 = b^2

How does drawing a picture help in solving word problems?

• It makes the problem look easier

• Helps in visualizing the problem

• It's required for the solution

• Makes the solution look complete

How long is the ladder leaning against the house to the nearest tenth of a foot?

• 8.0 feet

• 12.0 feet

• 14.4 feet

• 10.0 feet

Why is it important to label your answers in word problems?

• Because it looks nice

• To avoid confusion with units

• To make it harder

• To show off your handwriting

How far is Tim's house from the school as the crow flies?

• 3 kilometers

• 10 kilometers

• 5 kilometers

• 7.6 kilometers

What does 'as the crow flies' mean in the context of the problem?

• A random direction

• Following a path

• A straight-line distance

• Flying over obstacles

How far from the base should the anchor for the guy wire be placed?

• 7 feet

• 24 feet

• 10 feet

• 25 feet

In the flagpole problem, what was given that is usually solved for?

• The height of the flagpole

• The length of the guy wire

• The angle of elevation

• The distance from the base for the anchor

What is the width of the rectangle given its length and diagonal?

• 24 centimeters

• 29 centimeters

• 21 centimeters

• 20 centimeters