PDF 1: Mathematics – Pythagoras Theorem
Definition: In a right-angled triangle, the square of the hypotenuse (the side opposite the right
angle) is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides.
Formula:
𝑎
2
+
𝑏
2
=
𝑐
2
a
2
+b
2
=c
2
𝑎
a and
𝑏
b are the two shorter sides.
𝑐
c is the hypotenuse.
Example: If
𝑎
=
3
a=3 and
𝑏
=
4
b=4:
𝑐
2
=
3
2
+
4
2
=
9
+
16
=
25
c
2
=3
2
+4
2
=9+16=25 →
𝑐
=
5
c=5
Applications:
Architecture: Calculating diagonal lengths.
Navigation: Determining shortest paths.
Engineering: Designing ramps or roofs
Mathematics – Pythagoras Theorem (5 Pages)
Page 1 – Introduction
Mathematics is a subject that helps us understand the world through numbers and patterns.
One of the most important concepts in geometry is the Pythagoras theorem, which explains the
relationship between the sides of a right-angled triangle. This theorem is named after the Greek
mathematician Pythagoras, who lived around 500 BC.
The theorem is used in daily life, from measuring distances to building structures, and is a
foundation for more advanced mathematical concepts.
Page 2 – Theory
The Pythagoras theorem states:
In a right-angled triangle, the square of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the
other two sides.
Formula:
𝑎
2
+
𝑏
2
=
𝑐
2
a
2
+b
2
=c
2
Where:
𝑎
a and
𝑏
b are the two shorter sides (legs).
𝑐
c is the hypotenuse, the side opposite the right angle.
Explanation:
This theorem only works for right-angled triangles.
It provides a simple way to calculate distances or unknown sides in
geometry problems.
Page 3 – Examples
Example 1:
A triangle has sides
𝑎
=
3
a=3 and
𝑏
=
4
b=4. Find the hypotenuse.
𝑐
2
=
3
2
+
4
2
=
9
+
16
=
25
⇒
𝑐
=
5
c
2
=3
2
+4
2
=9+16=25⇒c=5
Example 2:
If the hypotenuse
𝑐
=
13
c=13 and one leg
𝑎
=
5
a=5, find the other leg
𝑏
b.
𝑏
2
=
𝑐
2
−
𝑎
2
=
13
2
−
5
2
=
169
−
25
=
144
⇒
𝑏
=
12
b
2
=c
2
−a
2
=13
2
−5
2
=169−25=144⇒b=12
Diagram suggestion: Draw a right-angled triangle with sides labeled
𝑎
a,
𝑏
b, and
𝑐
c.
Page 4 – Applications
Architecture: Calculating diagonal lengths for floors, roofs, or ramps.
Navigation: Finding shortest paths between two points.
Engineering: Designing stable structures and bridges.
Sports: Measuring distances in fields and courts.
The Pythagoras theorem is a practical tool, not just a theory.
Page 5 – Summary / Conclusion
The Pythagoras theorem is a key concept in geometry.
Formula:
𝑎
2
+
𝑏
2
=
𝑐
2
a
2
+b
2
=c
2
Useful for solving real-life problems in architecture, navigation, and
engineering.
Always remember: works only for right-angled triangles.