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Understanding Pythagoras' Theorem

Pythagoras' theorem states that for any right triangle, the square of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides. The document outlines Pythagoras' original proof of the theorem using geometric shapes and properties rather than modern tools. It constructs a right triangle and labels the sides a, b, and c. It then shows that the area of the square on the hypotenuse c2 is equal to the sum of the areas of the squares on the other two sides, a2 and b2, by using properties of congruent and parallel triangles. This proves the fundamental relationship a2 + b2 = c2 known as Pythagoras' theorem.

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jason nakonechny
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11 views9 pages

Understanding Pythagoras' Theorem

Pythagoras' theorem states that for any right triangle, the square of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides. The document outlines Pythagoras' original proof of the theorem using geometric shapes and properties rather than modern tools. It constructs a right triangle and labels the sides a, b, and c. It then shows that the area of the square on the hypotenuse c2 is equal to the sum of the areas of the squares on the other two sides, a2 and b2, by using properties of congruent and parallel triangles. This proves the fundamental relationship a2 + b2 = c2 known as Pythagoras' theorem.

Uploaded by

jason nakonechny
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Pythagoras Theorem

2 + 2 = 2
The Theorem Itself
As we saw in through our construction of a right triangle, if
the length of each leg of the triangle is squared then added
to each other we will get the length of the hypotenuse
squared.

Or simply put
a b 2 + 2 = 2

c
But Why?
We used technology to construct our right triangle and to
prove this theorem, but back 2500 years. Back then there
was compass, straightedge, and geometric fundamental.

So we are going to do the


same as Pythagoras!
Starting Our Proof
H Catalog of Shapes.
Squares:
FGBA
K HACK
F BDEC
A Triangles:
ABC
G GBC
ABD
B C ADL
To start off we will M
ALE
construct a list of ACE
the shapes within BCK
the diagram that Rectangles:
BDLM
we will be using. MLEC
D L E
First up: Areas and Claim
H
We are going to assume the following
1. Length of line AB is a.
K 2. Length of line AC is b.
F 3. Length of line BC is c.
A We then know the Area of the following shapes:
Square = 2
G
Square = 2
B C Square = 2
M 1
Triangle = 2

We will then use similarities and congruences


of triangles to show that the area of the two
smaller squares will add up to equal the larger
square.
D E
L + =
First: GBCABD by:
Congruent Triangles Side: GBAB
H Angle: GBCABD
GBC=GBA(90)+ABC
ABD=CBD(90)+ABC
K Side: BCBD
F
So the areas of both triangles are the
A same.

G
Second: BCKACE by:
B C
M Side: CKAC
Angle: BCKACE
BCK=ACK(90)+ACB
ACE=BCE(90)+ACB
Side: BCCE
So the areas of both triangles are the
same.
D L E
QUICK TRIANGLES AND
REMINDER PARALLELS
LA is parallel to LM so area of
If a parallelogram 1
ACE=2MLEC H
and a triangle
share a base and LA is parallel to LM so area of
K
1 F
lay on the same ABD=2BDLM
A
parallel lines, then
FA is parallel to FC so area of G
the parallelogram 1
GBC=2FGBA
has an area twice B M
C

that of the triangle. HA is parallel to HB so area of


1
BCK=2HACK

D L E
H
SUM IT ALL UP: AREAS

= + F K

2 = 2 + 2 A

2 = 2 + 2 G

2 = + B C
M

2 = 2 + 2

Quod
Erat
Demonstrandum D L E
Basically means your done
Time for some practice Problems

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