Pythagoras was a teacher and philosopher who lived during the 6th century B.C. on the Greek island of Samos. In his studies, Pythagoras discovered the relationship between the sides of right triangles. This relationship is useful for determining the missing lengths of the sides of right triangles. You can also use it to determine the type of triangle: acute, right, or obtuse.

Essential Questions

• How can you use the Pythagorean Theorem to find a missing side of a right triangle?
• How can you use the Converse of the Pythagorean Theorem to classify a triangle?

 

Warm-Up

Before you explore the Pythagorean Theorem in this topic, take a moment to refresh your math skills, using the distance formula, in this non-graded interactivity. Click the player button to get started.