Name
Period
Pythagorean Theorem
Pythagorean Theorem-IF a triangle is a right triangle, THEN the square of the length of the hypotenuse
is equal to the sum of the squares of the lengths of the legs. That is, in the right
triangle shown in the figure to the left, a* + b°=c.
Prove the Pythagorean theorem. Hint: Find the area of the large square above using sides a, b, and c
(as labeled) two diferent ways. For a triangle, A =- bh and for a square, A = s'. Remember that the
area of the large square will not change from one calculation to the next
Proof: