Anticipation Guide The Pythagorean Theorem

We have just learned about different types of triangles and their angle measures. The next topic to explore is the Pythagorean Theorem. You encountered the Pythagorean Theorem in Algebra, and possibly before that. Before reading section 4.4, carefully read each of the statements below and mark either an A for Agree or a D for Disagree in the Before column. Then, read the text and the examples in section 4.4. Once you have finished reading the section, review each statement. Do you still agree or disagree with each statement? Mark your opinion now in the After column. Correct the statements with which you disagree.

Before After

Statement The Pythagorean Theorem is named after a Greek philosopher and mathematician. The Pythagorean Theorem relates the side lengths of any triangle. In a right triangle, the right angle is formed by the legs. The formula for the Pythagorean Theorem is: 2 + 2 = 2 , where a and b are the legs and c is the hypotenuse of a right triangle. A right triangle with legs of 6m and 8m has a hypotenuse of 14 m. In the third picture above, the Pythagorean Theorem can be used to find the length of the ladder needed to reach a certain height on the house. A Pythagorean triple is a group of three numbers that could be the lengths of the sides of a right triangle. The Pythagorean Theorem can be interpreted as: the sum of the areas of the two squares created from the legs of a right triangle is equal to the area of the square created from the hypotenuse of the right triangle. Hint: Look at the second picture above.