Right triangles are special triangles that have one 90-degree angle. The side opposite the right angle is called the hypotenuse, and it's always the longest side. The other two sides are called legs. The Pythagorean theorem helps us find the length of a missing leg if we know the length of the hypotenuse and the other leg. The formula is $a^2 + b^2 = c^2$, where $a$ and $b$ are the legs, and $c$ is the hypotenuse. To find a missing leg, we can rearrange the formula.
For example, if we want to find leg $a$, and we know $b$ and $c$, the formula becomes $a = \sqrt{c^2 - b^2}$. This printable worksheet provides exercises to practice using this concept.
Match the term with its correct definition:
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| 1. Hypotenuse | A. The side opposite the right angle in a right triangle |
| 2. Leg | B. A triangle with one 90-degree angle |
| 3. Right Triangle | C. Either of the two shorter sides in a right triangle |
| 4. Pythagorean Theorem | D. $a^2 + b^2 = c^2$ |
| 5. Square Root | E. A value that, when multiplied by itself, equals a given number |
Complete the following paragraph using the words provided: leg, hypotenuse, right, Pythagorean, square root.
In a ______ triangle, the longest side is called the ______. To find the length of a missing ______ using the ______ theorem, you often need to calculate the ______ of a number.
Explain in your own words why it's important to know the Pythagorean theorem in real-world applications. Give at least one specific example.
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