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This pre-algebra math tutorial from NutshellMath offers introductory homework help in working with right triangles and the Pythagorean Theorem. Right triangles are triangles with one right angle, which is an angle measuring 90 degrees. As discussed in the tutorial, all right triangles have special names for their sides. The longest side, which is opposite the right angle, is the hypotenuse. The other sides are referred to as the legs of the right triangle. Right triangles can be constructed within nearly all geometric figures, and are great tools to be used to discern new information about other figures.
The Pythagorean Theorem is an algebraic equation which relates the lengths of all the sides of a right triangle to each other. The theorem is one of the most important in geometry and trigonometry, and mastering it is a very important skill. The Pythagorean Theorem states that the sum of the squares of each leg is equal to the square of the hypotenuse. Using this relationship, it is possible to solve a right triangle; or find the lengths of all the sides, when only two side lengths are given.
To use the Pythagorean Theorem to solve a right triangle, it is necessary to substitute the 2 known side lengths into the equation, then isolate the remaining unknown using addition or subtraction when necessary. Once isolated, the square root of both sides can be taken and the unknown side length found.
The Pythagorean Theorem can be used in many circumstances in both algebra and geometry. Using the Pythagorean Theorem to find unknown lengths is especially important in geometric proofs, and it is closely related to the Distance Formula, used in the coordinate plane. Solving for all the sides of a right triangle using the Pythagorean Theorem will also open up the ability to solve for all of the angles as well, using trigonometry. As gateways to important concepts in algebra and geometry, right triangles and the Pythagorean Theorem are critical topics to learn. The explanations and examples in this tutorial will reinforce the use of the Pythagorean Theorem with right triangles.
This pre-algebra math tutorial from NutshellMath offers introductory homework help in working with right triangles and the Pythagorean Theorem. Right triangles are triangles with one right angle, which is an angle measuring 90 degrees. As discussed in the tutorial, all right triangles have special names for their sides. The longest side, which is opposite the right angle, is the hypotenuse. The other sides are referred to as the legs of the right triangle. Right triangles can be constructed within nearly all geometric figures, and are great tools to be used to discern new information about other figures.
The Pythagorean Theorem is an algebraic equation which relates the lengths of all the sides of a right triangle to each other. The theorem is one of the most important in geometry and trigonometry, and mastering it is a very important skill. The Pythagorean Theorem states that the sum of the squares of each leg is equal to the square of the hypotenuse. Using this relationship, it is possible to solve a right triangle; or find the lengths of all the sides, when only two side lengths are given.
To use the Pythagorean Theorem to solve a right triangle, it is necessary to substitute the 2 known side lengths into the equation, then isolate the remaining unknown using addition or subtraction when necessary. Once isolated, the square root of both sides can be taken and the unknown side length found.
The Pythagorean Theorem can be used in many circumstances in both algebra and geometry. Using the Pythagorean Theorem to find unknown lengths is especially important in geometric proofs, and it is closely related to the Distance Formula, used in the coordinate plane. Solving for all the sides of a right triangle using the Pythagorean Theorem will also open up the ability to solve for all of the angles as well, using trigonometry. As gateways to important concepts in algebra and geometry, right triangles and the Pythagorean Theorem are critical topics to learn. The explanations and examples in this tutorial will reinforce the use of the Pythagorean Theorem with right triangles.