1. The Pythagorean Theorem
COURSE 2 LESSON 8-6
Find the length of the hypotenuse.
c2 = a2 + b2
Pythagorean Theorem
c2 =
Substitute.
c2 =
Simplify.
c2 = 841
Take the square root of each side.
c2 =
c = 29
The length of the hypotenuse is 29 in.
8-6

2. The Pythagorean Theorem
COURSE 2 LESSON 8-6
Find the missing leg of the triangle.
a2 + b2 = c2
Pythagorean Theorem
a = 252
Substitute.
a = 625
Simplify.
a – 225 = 625 – 225
Subtract 225 from both sides.
a2 = 400
Simplify.
a = 20
Take the square root of each side.
a2 =
The length of the leg is 20 ft.
8-6

3. The Pythagorean Theorem
COURSE 2 LESSON 8-6
A ladder, placed 4 ft from a wall, touches the wall 11.3 ft above the ground. What is the approximate length of the ladder?
Draw a diagram to illustrate the problem.
c2 = a2 + b2
Use the Pythagorean Theorem.
c2 =
Substitute.
c2 =
c2 =
Square 4 and 11.3.
Add.
Use a calculator.
Take the square root of each side.
c =
c2 =
The length of the ladder is about 12 ft.
8-6

4. The Pythagorean Theorem
COURSE 2 LESSON 8-6
Find the length of the missing side of each right triangle to
the nearest tenth.
1. legs of 4 cm and 6 cm
2. leg of 9 m, hypotenuse of 15 m
3. leg of 36 ft, hypotenuse of 39 ft
4. legs of 28 cm and 45 cm
7.2 cm
12 m
15 ft
53 cm
8-6