We have all gone through countless math classes throughout our entire educational
career, and most would be able to recognize the Pythagorean theorem and recite it
from memory. This well-known theorem is familiar to most only as a2 + b2 = c2, although
that is not the theorem in its entirety — the hypothesis of the theorem is often ommited.
One of the most popular proofs of the Pythagorean theorem (shown by using Figure 1) involves showing the sum of the
areas of the squares of the shorter sides, the legs, is equal to the area of the square of the
longest side, the hypotenuse. This proof is often adopted into lessons surrounding
the Pythagorean theorem, and this is the proof that most people are able to remember and
reproduce on their own. Using this simple proof, many other mathematicians
have constructed their own proofs of this renowned theorem. This website will explain the Pythagorean
theorem in more detail, including its full definition, rich history, the significance
of it in our everyday lives, and its many proofs.
Watch this video by Betty Fei from TED-Ed which uses engaging graphics to introduce the Pythagorean
theorem in a manner that is both fun and educational.
