Pythagoras Theorem

Pythagorean Theorem

In a right triangle, the square of the length of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two sides: $a^2 + b^2 = c^2$.

Hypotenuse

The longest side of a right triangle, opposite the right angle, represented as $c$.

Legs

The two shorter sides of a right triangle, represented as $a$ and $b$.

What is the equation of the Pythagorean Theorem?

The equation is $a^2 + b^2 = c^2$.

If side a = 3 cm and side b = 4 cm, what is c?

Using Pythagorean Theorem, c = 5 cm.

What do a and b represent in a right triangle?

They represent the lengths of the two shorter sides (legs) of the triangle.

How do you find the hypotenuse using the lengths of the legs?

Square the lengths of the legs, sum them, and then take the square root of the result.

Definition of adjacent side in trigonometry

The side of a right triangle that is next to the angle of interest but is not the hypotenuse.

Definition of opposite side in trigonometry

The side of a right triangle that is opposite the angle of interest.

What is the relationship represented in the Pythagorean Theorem?

The relationship states that the sum of the squares of the legs equals the square of the hypotenuse.