This is the equation of the Pythagorean theorem:

Note: In a right triangle c is always opposite of the 90° angle

Now lets make an example:

in a right triangle:

(c is opposite to the 90° angle)

a = 3

b = 4

c = ?

a^2 + b^2 = c^2

3×3 + 4×4 = c^2

9 + 16 = c^2

25 = c^2

√25 = √c^2

5 = c

Here is also an image of this example:

You can use the equation also if a or b are missing:

a = ?

b = 4

c = 5

a^2 + b^2 = c^2

a^2 + 4×4 = 5×5

a^2 + 16 = 25

a^2 = 25 – 16

a^2 = 9

√a^2 = √9

a = 3

Here is a way how to understand it:

Try it yourself now!
Solve:
1)

a = 1

b = 1

c = ?

2)

a = 6

b = ?

c = 10

3)

a = ?

b = 3

c = 4

And do not forget! :

a^2 + b^2 = c^2

In a right triangle c is always opposite of the 90° angle

I hope you enjoyed this article and also learned something