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This geometry math tutorial from NutshellMath offers targeted homework help on using the Pythagorean Theorem. The instruction is focused on problems 4-6 and 11-17 on pages 353 and 354 in the Geometry text from Glencoe Mathematics.


The Pythagorean Theorem is an algebraic relationship which equates the sum of the squares of the legs of a right triangle to the square of the hypotenuse of the triangle. This relationship is one of the most important theorems in geometry, and can be used to find the unknown side length of a right triangle when the two other side lengths are known.

The problems targeted by this tutorial involve finding an unknown side length of a right triangle. In order to use the Pythagorean Theorem, the first step is to identify the hypotenuse of the triangle being solved. The hypotenuse is longest side of the right triangle, and is the side opposite the right angle, or not adjacent to it. The hypotenuse length is on one side of the equation by itself in the Pythagorean Theorem. It is often represented by the variable 'c' in the Pythagorean Theorem, while 'a' and 'b' are variables for the legs. The other side lengths can be substituted in for the appropriate variables next, and algebra can be used to solve for the unknown side. Typically it may be necessary to isolate the unknown variable, and take the square root of both sides of the equation to find the unknown length.

This tutorial should reinforce using the Pythagorean Theorem to solve homework problems such as those on pages 353 and 354.