Lesson 7

A Proof of the Pythagorean Theorem

Let’s prove the Pythagorean Theorem.

7.1: Notice and Wonder: A Square and Four Triangles

two figures both made up of a square and four triangles.

What do you notice? What do you wonder?

7.2: Adding Up Areas

Both figures shown here are squares with a side length of \(a + b\). Notice that the first figure is divided into two squares and two rectangles. The second figure is divided into a square and four right triangles with legs of lengths \(a\) and \(b\). Let’s call the hypotenuse of these triangles \(c\).

Two squares of the same area are labeled “F” and “G”. 
  1. What is the total area of each figure?
  2. Find the area of each of the 9 smaller regions shown the figures and label them.
  3. Add up the area of the four regions in Figure F and set this expression equal to the sum of the areas of the five regions in Figure G. If you rewrite this equation using as few terms as possible, what do you have?


Take a 3-4-5 right triangle, add on the squares of the side lengths, and form a hexagon by connecting vertices of the squares as in the image. What is the area of this hexagon?

Dark blue Triangle with side lengths of 3,4,5. Light blue Squares off of each side. Light blue triangles in spaces between square sides. All inside white square 

 

7.3: Let’s Take it for a Spin

Find the unknown side lengths in these right triangles.

2 Right triangles. On left, legs = 2, 5. hypotenuse = x. On right, legs = square root 8, y. hypotenuse = 4.

 

7.4: A Transformational Proof

Use the applets to explore the relationship between areas.

  • Consider Squares \(A\) and \(B\).

  • Check the box to show the pieces.

  • Check the box to turn \(C.\)

  • Arrange the five pieces to fit inside Square \(C\).

  • Check the box to see the right triangle.

  • Arrange the figures so the squares are adjacent to the sides of the triangle.

  1. If the right triangle has legs \(a\) and \(b\) and hypotenuse \(c\), what have you just demonstrated to be true?

     
  2. Try it again with different squares. Estimate the areas of the new Squares, \(A\), \(B\), and \(C\) and explain what you observe.

     
  3. Estimate the areas of these new Squares, \(A\), \(B\), and \(C\), and then explain what you observe as you complete the activity.

     
  4. What do you think we may be able to conclude?

Summary

The figures shown here can be used to see why the Pythagorean Theorem is true. Both large squares have the same area, but they are broken up in different ways. (Can you see where the triangles in Square G are located in Square F? What does that mean about the smaller squares in F and H?) When the sum of the four areas in Square F are set equal to the sum of the 5 areas in Square G, the result is \(a^2 + b^2 = c^2\), where \(c\) is the hypotenuse of the triangles in Square G and also the side length of the square in the middle. Give it a try!

Two squares of the same area are labeled “F” and “G”. 

This is true for any right triangle. If the legs are \(a\) and \(b\) and the hypotenuse is \(c\), then \(a^2+b^2=c^2\). This property can be used any time we can make a right triangle. For example, to find the length of this line segment:

A line segment slanted downward and to the right on a square grid. The bottom endpoint is 7 units down and 24 units to the right from the top endpoint.

The grid can be used to create a right triangle, where the line segment is the hypotenuse and the legs measure 24 units and 7 units:

A right triangle on a square grid. The horizontal side has a length of 24 and the vertical side has a length of 7. The hypotenuse is labeled c.

Since this is a right triangle, \(24^2+7^2=c^2\). The solution to this equation (and the length of the line segment) is \(c=25\).

Glossary Entries

  • Pythagorean Theorem

    The Pythagorean Theorem describes the relationship between the side lengths of right triangles.

    The diagram shows a right triangle with squares built on each side.  If we add the areas of the two small squares, we get the area of the larger square.

    The square of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the legs. This is written as \(a^2+b^2=c^2\).

    a right triangle with squares built on each side
  • hypotenuse

    The hypotenuse is the side of a right triangle that is opposite the right angle. It is the longest side of a right triangle.

    Here are some right triangles. Each hypotenuse is labeled.

    Four right triangles of different sizes and orientations each with two legs and a hypotenuse opposite the right angle.
  • legs

    The legs of a right triangle are the sides that make the right angle. 

    Here are some right triangles. Each leg is labeled.

    Four right triangles of different sizes and orientations each with two legs and a hypotenuse opposite the right angle.