I have to write a paper for a mathemetics class, Quanativative Reasoning. This particular question is related to geometry. I know the history of theorem, but can't explain exactly what it is. Please help.
2006-07-06 05:46:10 · 10 answers · asked by Moira I 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
The pythagorean theorum is a^2 + b^2 = c^2 where a, b, and c are all sides of a right triangle. So if you know 2 of the sides of a triangle you can find the third. Good Luck with your paper
2006-07-06 05:52:55 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
The theorem shows that given any right triangle, the sum of the squares of the legs is equal to the square of the hypotenuse. The ancient Egyptians were aware of the 3:4:5 triangle, and the Babylonians knew tons more than that one. What Pythagoras did was to show that it's true for any right triangle, not just the certain ones known to the math geeks in Egypt and Babylon.
Why it's important is that it gives a method for showing the distance between two points given their rectangular coordinates.
2006-07-06 12:55:08 · answer #2 · answered by Louise 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In a triangle with a right angle, the Pythagorean theorem (named for a Greek mathematician who lived over 2000 years ago) gives a relation between the lengths of the three sides of the triangle. If "a", "b", and "c" represent the lengths of the sides, with "c" being the side opposite the right angle, then: c squared equals a squared plus b squared. There are numerous proofs. This theory turns out to be a key element in numerous applications in mathematics.
2006-07-06 12:54:23 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When it was explained to me, Pythagoris was trying to figure out the length across a lake. I believe the lake was more rectangular, and he wanted to know the distance across the lake from the furthest points. He then figured out that the distance of one side of the lake squared, plus the other side of the lake squared, equaled the distance across the lake squared. Therefore taking the square root gave the distance. We still use this today in the formula a(2)+b(2)=c(2). That is the best I can remember--I heard this story back in high school...many years ago.
2006-07-06 12:54:25 · answer #4 · answered by wpililli 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In any right angled Triangle, the Square of the Hypotenuse(the side opposite the Right Angle) is equal to the sum of square of the other two sides(the sides containing the right angle)
So if ABC is a triangle with right angle at B
AB^2+BC^2 = AC^2
2006-07-06 12:52:38 · answer #5 · answered by Math Help 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a^2 + b^2 = c^2 thats the Pythagorian theorem.
This link should also help you.
2006-07-06 12:51:02 · answer #6 · answered by someguy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is used to find the missing length of one side of a triangle,
PS plz dont be mad im only 14
2006-07-06 12:53:46 · answer #7 · answered by Aaron 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a^2 + b^2 = c^2
it's all about the triangle and the relationship of the sides. it still works so it's still used
2006-07-06 12:52:23 · answer #8 · answered by shiara_blade 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is used in many areas of mathematics. Certain trig formulas are derived using this formula. It is used in building construction.
2006-07-06 12:56:49 · answer #9 · answered by raz 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a^2 + b^2 = c^2 LOGICALY
2006-07-06 13:09:31 · answer #10 · answered by Bomfunk MC's jr. 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋