5. What do you need to know
to solve the Pythagorean
Theorem?
The length of Leg 1
The length of Leg 2
6. How would you find the
length of Leg 1?
(10, 5)
Count the squares
OR
Subtract the Y coordinates
(2,1)
5 – 1 = 4
4
7. How would you find the
length of Leg 2?
Count the squares
OR
(10, 5)
Subtract the X coordinates
(2,1)
10 – 2 = 8
8
8. Finding the length of the Hypotenuse
• The Pythagorean Theorem says
a2 + b2 = c2
• In this case a is the same as subtracting the Y coordinates
or (y1 – y2)
• In this case b is the same as subtracting the X coordinates
or (x1 – x2)
• And since the Pythagorean Theorem says you have to square
a and b and then add them
(y1 – y2)2 + (x1 – x2)2 = c2
9. Distance Formula
(y1 – y2)2 + (x1 – x2)2 = c2
In the end you have to take the
square root of the final answer…
