MathGrade 7-9
Pythagorean Theorem Answer Key
Discover the Pythagorean theorem and apply it to find missing side lengths of right triangles.
Prior Knowledge Questions
Q1.What is a right triangle?
Answer
A right triangle is a triangle that has one 90-degree angle.
Q2.What is the hypotenuse?
Answer
The hypotenuse is the longest side of a right triangle, opposite the right angle.
Q3.State the Pythagorean Theorem.
Answer
a² + b² = c², where a and b are the legs and c is the hypotenuse of a right triangle.
Activity A – Finding Missing Sides
Q1.A right triangle has legs of 3 and 4. What is the hypotenuse?
Answer
c² = 3² + 4² = 9 + 16 = 25, so c = 5.
Q2.Can the Pythagorean theorem be used on non-right triangles?
Answer
No, the Pythagorean theorem only applies to right triangles.
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