Understanding the Pythagorean Theorem and Its Converse

This video lesson by Kirk Weiler covers the Pythagorean Theorem and its converse. It explains how to use the theorem to find missing sides of right triangles and introduces the concept of Pythagorean triples. The lesson also discusses the converse of the theorem, which helps determine if a triangle is a right triangle based on its side lengths. Practical applications, such as using the theorem in construction to ensure right angles, are also explored.

What does the Pythagorean Theorem help you find in a right triangle?

• The measure of an angle

• The length of a missing side

• The perimeter of the triangle

• The area of the triangle

If a triangle has sides of lengths 3, 4, and 5, what type of triangle is it?

• Right triangle

• Scalene triangle

• Equilateral triangle

• Isosceles triangle

Which of the following sets of numbers could be the sides of a right triangle?

• 15, 20, 25

• 7, 8, 9

• 5, 12, 13

• 10, 11, 12

What is the converse of the Pythagorean Theorem used for?

• To calculate the perimeter of a triangle

• To check if a triangle is a right triangle

• To find the area of a triangle

• To determine if a triangle is equilateral

What is a Pythagorean triple?

• Three numbers that are all even

• Three numbers that are all prime

• Three whole numbers that can be the side lengths of a right triangle

• Three numbers that form an arithmetic sequence

Which of the following is NOT a Pythagorean triple?

• 7, 24, 25

• 9, 12, 15

• 10, 24, 26

• 8, 15, 17

Which of the following is a multiple of the Pythagorean triple 3, 4, 5?

• 6, 8, 10

• 9, 12, 14

• 15, 20, 25

• 12, 16, 20

If you multiply each number in a Pythagorean triple by 2, what do you get?

• A set of numbers that form an equilateral triangle

• A new set of numbers that cannot form a triangle

• A new Pythagorean triple

• A set of numbers that form an isosceles triangle

How can the Pythagorean Theorem be used in construction?

• To determine the height of a building

• To ensure angles are right angles

• To ensure walls are parallel

• To calculate the weight of materials

What is the length of the diagonal needed to ensure a right angle between a 12-foot and an 8-foot board?

• 10 feet

• 14.4 feet

• 16 feet

• 15 feet