For a right triangle, the squares of the two legs (a & b) add up to the square of the hypotenuse (c).
Discovering the Pythagorean Theorem
Learning Goal
Students will be able to explore relationships between squares and right triangles, and develop the Pythagorean Theorem.
Click and drag the points to explore the patterns between the side lengths of a right triangle.
Use the Visual above to...
List the 3 square areas for a right triangle with each set of side lengths.[br][list=1][*]3, 4, and 5 units[/*][*]5, 12, and 13 units[/*][*]6, 8, and 10 units[/*][/list]
The Pythagorean Theorem