Pythagoras Theorem

• In a right angled triangle the square of the long side is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides.
  
  
  
  It is stated in this formula:
  
  
  If we know the lengths of two sides of a right angled triangle, we can find the length of the third side. (But remember it only works on right angled triangles!) 
• Note:  
• a is the longest side of the triangle 
•   b and c are the other two sides
  
  
  
  
  There are certain sets of numbers that have a very special property in relation to the Pythagorean Theorem.  Not only do these numbers satisfy the Pythagorean Theorem, but any multiples of these numbers also satisfy the Pythagorean Theorem.  
  
  
  
  

  

  For example:  the numbers 3, 4, and 5 satisfy the Pythagorean Theorem.  If you multiply all three numbers by 2  (6, 8, and 10), these new numbers ALSO satisfy the Pythagorean theorem.  
    The special sets of numbers that possess this property are called
  Pythagorean Triples.
  
  
  The most common Pythagorean Triples are:
  3, 4, 5
  5, 12, 13
  8, 15, 17