Pythagorean Theorem
Definition of Pythagorean Theorem
- In a right triangle, if a and b are the measures of the legs and c is the measure of the hypotenuse, then
.
Examples of Pythagorean Theorem
- The right triangle shown has legs 3 and 4 and hypotenuse 5.
So, 
Solved Example on Pythagorean Theorem
The radius of the circle is 4 inches. Find the length of side of the square using Pythagorean theorem.
Choices:
A. 4 inches
B. 8 inches
C. 
inches
D. 
inches
Correct Answer: D
Solution:
Step 1: Radius of the circle = 4 inches.
Step 2: Hypotenuse = 2 ´ 4 = 8 inches.
Step 3: Let s be the side of the triangle. Then s is the base of the right triangle.
Step 4: Pythagorean Theorem states that ‘In a right triangle, if a and b are the measures of the legs and c is the measure of the hypotenuse, then 
’.
Step 5: Using Pythagorean Theorem, we get,
Related Terms for Pythagorean Theorem
- Right triangle
- Hypotenuse
Additional Links for Pythagorean Theorem
