• Pythagorean theorem
  The pythagorean theorem states that, in a right triangle, if you call the hypotenuse c and the other 2 sides a and b, then:
  
  c² = a² + b²
  For example, in a right triangle that has side a = 3 inches and side b = 4 inches, then the hypotenuse (side c) = :
  c² = 3² + 4² =
  c² = 9 + 16 = 25. So c is the , which is 5.
  
  So, now here's a problem for you:
  What is the hypotenuse (side c) of a right triangle whose other sides (sides a and b) are 12 inches and 5 inches?
  If you know the hypotenuse and one of the other two sides of a right triangle, you can use the pythagorean theorem to find the missing side by rearranging the pythagorean theorem. For example, if you call the missing side "b", then:
  
  b² = c² - a²
  Click here to see a proof of why the pythagorean theorem is true.

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