1. Daily Warmup Solve for x x2+7=43 Ans: x = ±6 64+x2=164
Evaluate for a = 12, b = 5, c = 13
a2 + b2
c2 – b2
Ans: x = ±6
Ans: x = ±10
Ans: 169
Ans: 144

2. Today’s Objective
We are going to learn more about the Pythagorean Theorem.
Today, we are going to learn how to use the Pythagorean Theorem to solve for a missing length of a right triangle.

3. Here we have a triangle with the lengths of each of the three sides5 4 3

4. Let’s take the lengths of each side and make a square for each of them5 4 3

5. Let’s find the area of each square?

6. Now, let’s add the two smaller areas together.25 16 + 9

7. It turns out this is true for every right triangle
Notice how the sum of the two smaller squares equals the larger square? 25
It turns out this is true for every right triangle +
= ? 9 16

8. The Pythagorean Theorem states: “The sum of the squares of the legs of a right triangle are equal to the square of the hypotenuse.” +
= 25 9 16

9. a2 + b2 = c2 c no Pythagorean Theorem
What is the Pythagorean Theorem in symbol form?
a2 + b2 = c2
Which of these variables represent the hypotenuse? c
Once you have figured out which is c, does it matter which leg is a and which is b? no

10. Finding the missing side of a right triangle
Any time you are asked to find the missing side of a right triangle, the problem will generally boil down to 1 of 2 scenarios.
Scenario 1: You have both legs and you have to find the hypotenuse
Scenario 2: You have one leg and the hypotenuse, and you have to find the other leg.

11. Scenario 1: Need the hypotenuse
Find x x
8 ft
15 ft
Step 1: Write the formula.
a2 + b2 = c2
Step 2: Substitute or “Plug-in” the lengths of the legs into the Pythagorean Theorem for the “a” and “b” variables.
= c2
Step 3: Simplify the side without the “c” by squaring the two numbers and adding them together.
= c2
We are not done yet…
We have found c2, but not just plain c.
289 = c2
Step 4: Solve for c by using the square root.
We were told to solve for x,
not c, so we should replace the
c with an x.
289 = c2
17 = c
x = 17

12. c
Find x
5 ft
12 ft
= c2
= c2
169 = c2
Answer:
c = 13

13. Scenario 2: Have Hypotenuse, need one leg
Find x.
Round to the nearest
tenth.
14 in a
6 in

14. Find a.
Round to the nearest
tenth.
14 in a
a2 + b2 = c2
Step 1: Write the formula.
Step 2: Identify the hypotenuse
6 in
Step 3: Substitute or “Plug-in” the hypotenuse (14) for c and the other known measurement (6) for b.
a = 142
Step 4: Simplify by squaring both the numbers.
a = 196
Step 5: Subtract the smaller from the larger.
a = 196
– – 36
Step 6: Solve for a by using the square root.
a2 = 160
a2 =
a = 12.6
a =

15. 25 a 20
Solve for a.
Round your answer to the nearest tenth if necessary.
Answer:
a=15

16. 12 b
13.9
Solve for b.
Round your answer to the nearest tenth if necessary.
Answer:
b = 7

17. 5 a 3
Solve for x.
Round your answer to the nearest tenth if necessary.
Answer:
a=4

18. 30 7 b
Solve for b.
Round your answer to the nearest tenth if necessary.
Answer:
b=29.2

19. a
3.5
10.5
Solve for b.
Round your answer to the nearest tenth if necessary.
Answer:
a = 9.9