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Date: Number:
Discovering the Pythagorean Theorem

You will now get the chance to discover one of the most important
geometric equations yourselves! Using the ruler, measure each side of
the triangle. Record your measurements under the appropriate sides.
Then square each side. On the right hand side of the chart, record what
relationship you see between the squared numbers.

**Round measurements to the nearest centimeter**

Triangl Leg Leg Hypotenuse What relationship do

e (cm) (cm) (cm) you see using the
squared numbers?
1
Squared
2
Squared
3
Squared
4
Squared
5
Squared

The Pythagorean Theorem tells us something about the

relationship between the sides of a right triangle. Review your
chart. What patterns do you see between the squares of the
sides. Take a guess at what the Pythagorean Theorem tells us:
___________________________

Pythagorean Theorem: For right triangles where:

a c

b
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But how do we actually use the Pythagorean Theorem?

For a triangle with a=9, b=12, and c unknown. To find c:

1. Substitute 9 for a and 12 for b in the Pythagorean Theorem:

9 c
( )2 + ( )2 = c 2
2. Simplify: 12
81 + = c2

3. Take the square root of both sides:

√306= √ c2

4. You have now solved for c, the hypotenuse:

C=

For a triangle with a known, b unknown, and hypotenuse known:

1. Substitute the side measurements for the variables.

(16) 2 + b2 = (20) 2
2. Simplify: 12 20

(256) + b =
b
3. Isolate variable on one side:

(256) + b =400

b=

4. Take the square root of both sides:

√b = √144

b=

Find the missing side length to complete the table. Round your answers
to the nearest tenth.
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Pythagorean Theorem: a2 + b2 = c2

Right Length Length Length of

Triangl of Leg of Leg Hypotenu
e se
1 9 12
2 16 20
3 15 25
4 18 30
5 9.3 8
6 4.7 12.5
7 5.1 23.2

Find the missing side length in the right triangles drawn below.

11. 12.

6.7 cm 5.2 cm

12.8 m

5.9 m