Pythagorean Theorem

P Y T H A G O R E A N   T H E O R E MThe Pythagorean Theorem is used in one simple equation:
a2 + b2 = c2How to find the hypotenuse of a right triangle:

• c is the longest side of a right triangle; it is called the hypotenuse.
• If the length of sides a and b are given, all you need to do is follow the equation in order to find the length of c.
• First, square sides a and b
• Next, add them together.
• The answer that you get will be c2.

• Square root c in order to have the correct side length.

                  How to find the missing side lengths of a or b:

• a and b are the two shorter sides of a right triangle. They are the "legs."
• If the length of sides c and a (or) b are given, one of the legs is the missing length to the right triangle.
• The Pythagorean Theorem can still be used in this situation.
• Just plug in your side lengths to the formula and square them.
• Once the are squared, subtract the leg length to the hypotenuse length.
• Finally, square root the result to find your missing leg length.