Mathematics - Geometry - Pythagorean Theorem - Understanding the Pythagorean theorem - The Pythagorean Theorem

6 steps: (1) In ANY right triangle, the longest side (opposite the right angle) is the HYPOTENUSE (c). (2) The theorem: a² + b² = c² (legs squared = hypotenuse squared). (3) Finding hypotenuse: a=3, b=4. c²=9+16=25. c=√25=5. (4) Finding a leg: a=?, b=12, c=13. a²=169-144=25. a=5. (5) Pythagorean tri