Pythagorean Theorem

Explanation

The Pythagorean Theorem applies to right triangles (triangles with a 90° angle).

Theorem:

In a right 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

• $a$ and $b$ → legs

• $c$ → hypotenuse

Example: Right triangle with legs 3 and 4 → hypotenuse c = sqrt{3^2 + 4^2} = 5