What Is the Pythagorean Theorem? (English Reading)
The Pythagorean Theorem is a rule in mathematics. It is about triangles. Triangles have three sides. The theorem helps us find the length of one side if we know the other two sides. Let’s learn about the Pythagorean Theorem in simple English.
What Is a Triangle?
A triangle is a shape with three sides. If one angle of the triangle is 90 degrees, it is called a right triangle. The longest side of a right triangle is called the hypotenuse. The other two sides are called the legs.
What Does the Pythagorean Theorem Say?
The Pythagorean Theorem says:
a² + b² = c²
Here:
- a and b are the legs (the two shorter sides).
- c is the hypotenuse (the longest side).
This means that the square of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides.
How Do We Use the Theorem?
Let’s say we have a right triangle. One leg is 3 units long, and the other leg is 4 units long. We want to find the hypotenuse:
- Use the formula: a² + b² = c².
- Replace a and b: 3² + 4² = c².
- Solve it: 9 + 16 = c².
- Add: 25 = c².
- Find c: c = 5.
The hypotenuse is 5 units long.
Who Was Pythagoras?
Pythagoras was a Greek mathematician. He lived a long time ago, around 500 BC. He loved numbers and shapes. His theorem is still used today in math, science, and engineering.
Why Is the Pythagorean Theorem Important?
The Pythagorean Theorem is very useful. It helps us:
- Measure distances.
- Build houses and bridges.
- Solve problems in geometry and physics.
It is simple but very powerful!
Fun Fact
Did you know? The Pythagorean Theorem works only for right triangles. It does not work for other types of triangles.
Practice Questions
- What is a right triangle?
- What is the longest side of a right triangle called?
- Write the formula for the Pythagorean Theorem.
- If one leg is 6 and the other is 8, what is the hypotenuse?
- Who was Pythagoras?
Tags (English Level: Beginner - For Learning English)
#Learn English #Pythagorean Theorem #Beginner Reading #Simple English #English Practice