Exploration Task: Investigating the Pythagorean Theorem
Objective:
Students will explore, apply, and reflect on the Pythagorean Theorem by completing a structured
investigation, using both visual and problem-solving skills.
Instructions:
You will complete this exploration task on your own. Work through each part in order. Be sure
to show all your reasoning clearly.
Part 1: Visual Discovery
Objective: Explore and confirm the Pythagorean Theorem using an interactive geometry tool.
Instructions:
1. Open this GeoGebra link:
[Link]
2. Follow these steps:
o Observe the interactive diagram of the right-angled triangle and the squares on
each side.
o Use the draggable points (A and B) to change the shape and size of the triangle.
o Look at the measurements of the side lengths: a, b, and c.
o Note how the areas of the squares update as the triangle changes.
3. Choose two different triangle configurations by adjusting the points. For each one,
record:
o Side lengths: a, b, and c
o Area of each square: a², b², and c²
o Whether the sum of a² and b² equals c²
Fill in the table below:
Triangle a (cm) b (cm) c (cm) a² b² a² + b² c² Is a² + b² = c²?
1 3 4 5 9 16 25 25 Yes / No
2 5 12 13 25 144 169 169 Yes / No
Reflection Question:
Based on what you observed in the GeoGebra tool, how would you explain the Pythagorean
Theorem in your own words?
Part 2: Applying the Pythagorean Theorem
Objective: Use the theorem to solve real and abstract problems.
Solve the following problems using the formula a² + b² = c²:
1. A triangle has legs of 6 cm and 8 cm. Find the hypotenuse.
1. 6^2 + 8^2 = c^2
2. 36 + 64 = 100
3. -/100 = 10
4. Hypotenuse = 10cm
2. A ramp is 12 m long and reaches 5 m high. How far is the base of the ramp from the
wall?
1. 5^2 + b^2 = 12^2
2. 25 + b^2 = 144
3. -/119 ≈ 10.9
4. B ≈10.9
3. A triangle has sides 10 cm, 24 cm, and 26 cm. Is it a right-angled triangle? Show your
proof.
1. 10^2 + 24^2 = 26^2
2. 100 + 576 = 676
3. It is a right angle
Remember to show all steps and write your final answer clearly.
Part 3: Real-Life Exploration
Objective: Connect the Pythagorean Theorem to real-world situations.
Choose one of the following real-world contexts and solve the problem:
Option A: Navigation
A boat sails 9 km east and then 12 km north. How far is it from its starting point?
1. 9^2 + 12^2 = c^2
2. 81 + 144 = 225
3. -/225 = 15km
Option B: Architecture
An architect is designing a triangular window with two sides measuring 1.5 m and 2 m. She
wants the third side to form a right triangle. What should the length of the third side be?
Explain why the Pythagorean Theorem is useful in this situation.
Part 4: Reflection
Objective: Demonstrate conceptual understanding and personal insight.
Answer the following in 3–5 sentences:
1. How does the Pythagorean Theorem help you determine whether a triangle is right-
angled?
1. It shows if a triangle is right-angled by checking if a^2 +
b^2 = c^2
2. Why is this theorem important in real-life applications?
1. It helps solve real problems involving distance,
construction, and design
3. What did you find interesting or surprising during this exploration?
1. It was surprising how often and easily the theorem
applies to real-life situations