Add up areas of squares to discover the pythagorean relationship. Small groups create right triangles with squares along each side. They calculate the areas of each square and notice the relationship. Groups construct other types of triangles and discover the relationship between the squares of the side lengths.

Concepts

pythagoras, pythagorean theorem, pythagorean triples, area, right triangles

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Additional Tags

math

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Instructional Ideas

• Research other methods to prove the Pythagorean Theorem
• Provide several opportunities for class members to use the Pythagorean Theorem to find lengths

Classroom Considerations

• Requires geoboards or dot paper

Pros

• Contains suggestions for differentiation
• Provides an organizational structure to collect measurements

Cons

• None

Common Core

8.G.B.6 8.G.B.7 HSG-SRT.B.4 HSG-SRT.C.8 MP3 MP5 MP8