The Converse of the Pythagorean Theorem If the lengths of the three sides of a triangle satisfy the Pythagorean equation, then the triangle is a right triangle.
How to… Write the equation (a2 + b2 =c2) Identify the longest side length…and plug that number in for c. Plug in the other two numbers for a and b. Order does not matter. Square each number (multiply by itself). Add the squares of a and b. Compare the final answers on each side of the equal sign. Same = right triangle Different = not right triangle
Let’s Practice… Is the following triangle a right triangle? 24, 10, 26
Let’s Practice… Is the following triangle a right triangle? 10, 15, 20
Let’s Practice… Is the following triangle a right triangle? 30, 24, 18
Let’s Practice… Is the following triangle a right triangle? 10, 12, 15