How to Solve Pythagorean Theorem Problems? (+FREE Worksheet!)

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Step by step guide to solve Pythagorean Theorem problems

• We can use the Pythagorean Theorem to find a missing side in a right triangle.
• In any right triangle: \(\color{blue}{a^2+b^2= c^2}\)
  

The Pythagorean Theorem – Example 1:

Right triangle ABC has two legs of lengths \(9\) cm (AB) and \(12\) cm (AC). What is the length of the third side (BC)?

Solution:

Use Pythagorean Theorem: \(\color{blue}{a^2+b^2= c^2}\)
Then: \(a^2+b^2= c^2 →9^2+12^2= c^2 →81+144=c^2\)
\(c^2=225 →\) \(c=\sqrt{225}=15\) \(cm\) → \(c=15 cm\)

The Pythagorean Theorem – Example 2:

Find the hypotenuse of the following right triangle.

Solution:

Use Pythagorean Theorem: \(\color{blue}{a^2+b^2= c^2}\)
Then: \(a^2+b^2= c^2 →8^2+6^2= c^2 →64+36=c^2\)
\(c^2=100 →\) \(c=\sqrt{100}=10\) → \(c=10\)

The Pythagorean Theorem – Example 3:

Find the hypotenuse of the following right triangle.

Solution:

Use Pythagorean Theorem: \(\color{blue}{a^2+b^2= c^2}\)
Then: \(a^2+b^2= c^2 →3^2+4^2= c^2 →9+16=c^2\)
\(c^2=25 →\) \(c=\sqrt{25}=5\) → \(c=5\)

The Pythagorean Theorem – Example 4:

Right triangle ABC has two legs of lengths \(6\) cm (AB) and \(8\) cm (AC). What is the length of the third side (BC)?

Solution:

Use Pythagorean Theorem: \(\color{blue}{a^2+b^2= c^2}\)
Then: \(a^2+b^2= c^2 →6^2+8^2= c^2 →36+64=c^2\)
\( c^2=100 →\) \(c=\sqrt{100}=10\) \(cm\) → \(c= 10 cm\)

Exercises for Solveing the Pythagorean Theorem

Find the missing side in each right triangle.

Download Pythagorean Relationship Worksheet

1. \(\color{blue}{13}\)
2. \(\color{blue}{5}\)
3. \(\color{blue}{15}\)
4. \(\color{blue}{8}\)