When you took Algebra I you learned about the Pythagorean theorem, which explains the relationship of the sides of a right triangle. Did you know Pythagoras was not the first to discover this relationship? Still, he got the credit and the theorem is named after him to this day.

Watch the following videos to visualize and apply the Pythagorean Theorem.

Visualizing the Pythagorean Theorem Tutorial

You will develop a geometric understanding of the Pythagorean theorem. In this tutorial, you will see a visualization of the theorem and look at it both numerically and geometrically.

Next, watch this video. The first part of the video talks about some of the special patterns that occur in right triangles called Pythagorean triples. The second part of the video shows some of the ways that the Pythagorean theorem has been proven to be true.

Applying the Pythagorean Theorem and Its Converse Tutorial

The Pythagorean theorem is very useful in solving practical problems. It is also the basis for the distance formula. This tutorial will show you how the Pythagorean theorem was used to develop the distance formula. You will also learn uses of its converse.

Click here to download a worksheet to assist you with completing the tutorial.

Recognizing Pythagorean triples can save time and effort in some problems. Can you find the missing sides of the following triangles?

Did you recognize the triples in each triangle?

a = 17, b = 12, and c = 5

The second triangle fits the 3, 4, 5 triple. The triangle has been enlarged by a factor of three so the sides are now 9, 12, and 15.