1. Pythagorean Theorem Title 1
MAFS.8.G Apply the Pythagorean Theorem to determine unknown side lengths in right triangles in real-world and mathematical problems in two and three dimensions.
Created by:
Matthew Funke
8th Grade Math Teacher
Central Middle School
West Melbourne, FL

2. Bell Ringer 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

3. No need
For notes
On this slide
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.

4. Slide 4

5. a2 + b2 = c2 c no Pythagorean Theorem
No need
For notes
On this slide
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

6. TAKE
NOTES
Steps to Solve for a missing side of a right triangle using the Pythagorean Theorem
Step 1: Write the formula
Step 2: Substitute known values for the variables.
Step 3: Solve the equation for the missing variable.

7. Example 1 TAKE NOTES x Find x 8 ft 15 ft a2 + b2 = c2 82 + 152 = c2
Step 1: Write the formula
a2 + b2 = c2
Step 2: Substitute known values
= c2
Which number goes where?
You need to identify the hypotenuse. It’s the one opposite of the right angle.
The hypotenuse is always going to be the c in the formula. Since we do not know the value of c, it stays as c in the formula.
Does it matter whether we use a = 8 or 15?
No.
Let’s use a = 8 and b = 15.

8. Example 1 TAKE NOTES x Find x 8 ft 15 ft a2 + b2 = c2 82 + 152 = c2
Step 1: Write the formula
a2 + b2 = c2
Step 2: Substitute known values
= c2
Step 3: Solve for the missing variable, in this case c.
We are not done yet…
= c2
We have found c2, but not just plain c.
289 = c2
289 = c2
We were told to solve for x, not c.
So we should replace the c with an x.
17 = c
x = 17

9. You try this one in your notes.
TAKE
NOTES
You try this one in your notes. x
Find x
5 ft
12 ft
= x2
= x2
169 = x2
Answer:
x = 13

10. Example #2 TAKE NOTES 14 in x Find x. Round to the nearest hundredth.
a2 + b2 = c2
Step 1: Write out the formula
a = 142
Step 2: Substitute known values
Which number goes where?
This time we are given the hypotenuse.
So, c = 14
Does it matter whether we use a = 6 or b = 6? No
Let’s use b = 6.

11. Example #2 TAKE NOTES 14 in x Find x. Round to the nearest hundredth.
a2 + b2 = c2
Step 1: Write out the formula
a = 142
Step 2: Substitute known values
Step 3: Solve for the missing variable, in this case a.
a = 196
Can we just add the two numbers and do the square root?
– – 36
No, they are not on the same side of the equals sign.
a2 = 160
a2 =
x = 12.65
a =

12. What is the difference between the 2 examples?
No need
For notes
On this slide
Both have you squaring the given sides.
Both have you using the square root at the end.
The only difference is in the middle.
Example 1 has you adding the numbers
Example 2 has you subtracting the smaller from the larger.

13. What does this mean?
When you have two sides of a right triangle, you can find the third using the Pythagorean Theorem.
Square both of the measurements you have.
Add or subtract the two numbers depending on whether or not you have the hypotenuse. (Subtract if you have it, add if you don’t)
Find the square root of the result and you have your missing side!

14. Try this one in your notes…x 15 20
Solve for x.
Round your answer to the nearest hundredth if necessary.
Answer: 25

15. Try this one in your notes…7 12 x
Solve for x.
Round your answer to the nearest hundredth if necessary.
Answer:
13.89

16. Try this one in your notes…5 x 3
Solve for x.
Round your answer to the nearest hundredth if necessary.
Answer: 4

17. Try this one in your notes …30 7 x
Solve for x.
Round your answer to the nearest hundredth if necessary.
Answer:
30.81

18. Try this one in your notes…b a c
If the hypotenuse of this triangle is 10 and a is 6 which equation would you use to find b?
6 + b = 10
36 + b = 100
b2 – 36 = 100
36 + b2 = 100
Answer: D