Pythagorean Theorem — Worksheet

Pythagorean Theorem

Worksheet

Open the Pythagorean Theorem module. Set the two legs as described in each question, then answer below. The module shows the hypotenuse and the squares on each side.

Name: Date:

Part A: The rule

1. In a right triangle, the side across from the square corner is called the: 1 pt
  • leg
  • hypotenuse
  • base
  • radius
2. Which equation is the Pythagorean theorem? 1 pt
  • a + b = c
  • a² + b² = c²
  • a² − b² = c²
  • 2a + 2b = c²
3. Set leg a = 120 and leg b = 90. What is the hypotenuse c? 1 pt
Answer:
4. With leg a = 120 and leg b = 90, what is a² + b²? 1 pt
Answer:

Part B: Using the module

5. Set leg a = 60 and leg b = 80. What is the hypotenuse c? 1 pt
Answer:
6. Set leg a = 40 and leg b = 40. What is the hypotenuse c, rounded to the nearest whole number? 1 pt
Answer:
7. You double both legs of a right triangle. What happens to the hypotenuse? 1 pt
  • It stays the same.
  • It doubles.
  • It quadruples.
  • It halves.
8. Set leg a = 120 and leg b = 160. What is the hypotenuse c? 1 pt
Answer:

Part C: Reasoning

9. Explain why the hypotenuse is always the longest side of a right triangle. 2 pts
10. The module draws a square on each side of the triangle. Explain how those squares show that a² + b² = c². 2 pts