Understanding Pythagorean Theorem
Introduction and Warm‑Up

Which of these is true about a right triangle?
Building a Draggable Right Triangle with Squares
Click and drag the red point. How does it move? Do we always have a right triangle? Why?
Which equation correctly represents the relationship between the sides of a right triangle?
Proving the Pythagorean Theorem
- Let’s prove the theorem by rearranging shapes. Click on any point and move it and observe how the two smaller squares perfectly fill the largest square.
Testing the Converse
Common Misconceptions
The Pythagorean Theorem works for all triangles.
The hypotenuse is always opposite the right angle.
To find a missing leg, subtract the squared lengths: b² = c² − a².
Side lengths can be negative.
Find the missing side
Given a right triangle with legs a = 5 and hypotenuse c = 13, what is the length of the other leg b?
Real-Life Problem

How high up the wall does the ladder reach?