What is the Pythagorean Theorem?
The Pythagorean Theorem is a mathematical
relationship between the sides of
a right triangle. A right triangle
is any triangle that has one right internal
angle. Pythagoras
stated, if the length of the legs (smallest side) are
squared and
their sum is found, the sum will be equal to the square
of the
hypotenuse (longest side).
Algebraically speaking, the relationship
looks like...
The legs are traditionally marked with an 'a'
and a 'b,'
while the hypotenuse is marked with a 'c.'
If that is
the case, then the formula is a2 + b2 = c2.