Name_______________________ Algebra I, Period _____
Notes 11.4: The Pythagorean Theorem
The Pythagorean Theorem is a relationship among the lengths of the sides if a
right triangle. This relationship applies only to right triangles.
The sides of a right triangle have special names.
The _____________________ of a right triangle is always the longest side of the
triangle. It is _______________ the right angle. In the diagram, the length of the
hypotenuse is represented by c.
The ______________ of a right triangle are the two sides that form the right angle.
These sides are _____________________ to the right angle
The Pythagorean Theorem can be stated algebraically, verbally, or interpreted with a
geometric model.
Algebraic
Verbal
Geometric Model
In any right triangle with
legs a and b and
hypotenuse c.
a2 + b2 = c2
In any right triangle, the
sum of the squares of the
lengths of the legs is
equal to the square of the
length of the hypotenuse.
The area of the square formed
by the hypotenuse is equal to
the sum of the areas of the
two squares formed by the
legs.
a = √80 Take the positive square root of each side
a = 8.9 (to the nearest tenth)
