Pythagorean Theorem: A Step-by-Step Guide | Find a Missing Side Length Using the Pythagorean Theorem

Math with Mr. J2 minutes read

The Pythagorean theorem is used to find missing side lengths in right triangles, with a formula of a^2 + b^2 = c^2 where a and b are legs and c is the hypotenuse. Examples show how to calculate the length of the hypotenuse or a missing leg using this theorem.

Insights

  • The Pythagorean theorem is a mathematical principle used to determine the lengths of the sides of a right triangle, where the square of the hypotenuse equals the sum of the squares of the other two sides.
  • By applying the Pythagorean theorem formula a^2 + b^2 = c^2, one can calculate the missing side lengths of a right triangle, whether it is the hypotenuse or one of the legs, by isolating the unknown variable and solving for it.

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Recent questions

  • How is the Pythagorean theorem used?

    To find side lengths of a right triangle.

  • What is the formula for finding the hypotenuse?

    a^2 + b^2 = c^2

  • How do you find a missing leg in a right triangle?

    Use the Pythagorean theorem and isolate the unknown side.

  • What are the components of a right triangle?

    Hypotenuse, legs, and right angle.

  • Why is the Pythagorean theorem important?

    Essential for solving geometric problems involving right triangles.

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Summary

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Discovering Triangle Side Lengths with Pythagorean Theorem

  • The Pythagorean theorem is used to find unknown side lengths of a right triangle, with C as the hypotenuse and A and B as the legs.
  • To find the length of the hypotenuse, use the formula a^2 + b^2 = c^2, where a and b are the legs and c is the hypotenuse.
  • In an example with side lengths of 8 meters and 6 meters for the legs, applying the formula gives a hypotenuse length of 10 meters.
  • Another example involves side lengths of 10 feet and 7 feet for the legs, resulting in an approximate hypotenuse length of 12.21 feet.
  • To find the length of a missing leg, use the same formula and isolate the unknown side by solving for it.
  • In an example with a leg of 5 yards and a hypotenuse of 13 yards, the missing leg measures approximately 12 yards.
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