Use Pythagorean Theorem To find Each Length

Set 1.4
David Cohen
Question 27

What is the purpose for the exercise?

a^2 = 1^2 + 1^2

a^2 = 2

sqrt{a^2} = sqrt{2}

a = sqrt{2}

That was easy. The hypotenuse for the first right triangle on the far left is sqrt{2}. So what?

 

correct, and now find b, c, d, e, f, and g

 

This is an exercise involving the Pythagorean Theorem. I have to calculate a^2 + b^2 = c^2 for each triangle. Is this the only purpose for this problem? Did you see my thread Triangle ABC posted today?.

 

I will go as far as finding c.

Find b.

(sqrt{2})^2 + 1^2 = b^2

2 + 1 = b^2

3 = b^2

sqrt{3} = sqrt{b^2}

sqrt{3} = b

Find c.

(sqrt{3})^2 + 1^2 = c^2

3 + 1 = c^2

4 = c^2

sqrt{4} = sqrt{c^2}

2 = c

I am going to stop here.

 

correct

 

Cool. Is there a pattern that I should be looking out for?