Pythagorean Theorem Discovery Proof 1

A right [math]\Delta ABC[/math] is illustrated in the activity with [i]c[/i] as the hypotenuse and [i]a[/i] and [i]b [/i]as its legs. Each side of the right triangle has square attached to it.[br][br]Follow the instructions below and answer the questions to discover the relationship between the sides of a right triangle.

[b]Guide Questions:[/b]

1. Set the lengths of [i][b]a[/b][/i] and [i][b]b[/b][/i] to [b]3[/b] and [b]4[/b]. What is the length of [i][b]c[/b][/i]?

2. Notice that the lengths of the sides of the triangle a b, and c are squared. What does that represent in the figure?

It represents the perimeter of each square It represents the area of each square

3. What are your observations about the sides of the right triangle? (Hint: find the relation between the squares of the sides of the triangle)

[math]c=a+b[/math] [math]c^2=a^2+b^2[/math] [math]c^2=a^2-b^2[/math]

4. Change the lengths of [i]a[/i] and [i]b[/i] to any lengths you desire. Did you get the same observation from #3?

What is your conclusion about this activity?

In any right triangle, the square of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of its legs. In any right triangle, the square of the hypotenuse is equal to the difference of the squares of its legs.

Credits:

I will give credit to the original owner of this activity to Stephanie Bradford. [br][br]I made modifications on your activity to match the needs of my learners.[br]

Pythagorean Theorem Discovery Proof 1

Credits:

Information: Pythagorean Theorem Discovery Proof 1