Pythagorean Theorem

Question 1

State the Pythagorean Theorem and what we use it for

Answer 1

The Pythagorean Theorem is used ONLY in right triangles, to find ONE unknown side as long as we have the other two.

c = hypotenuse (longest side, opposite the right angle)

a, b = the other legs of the triangle

Question 2

Find the hypotenuse:

Answer 2

c² = a² + b²

c² = 5² + 6²

c² = 25 + 36

c² = 61

take the square root of both sides

c = 7.81

(3 significant figures)