What is the Pythagorean Theorem?The pythagorean theorem is one of the most important theorems in all of math. It deals with triangles, specifically, right triangles. Basically it is a^2 + b^2 =c^2. c^2 is the hypotenuse and if you have the length of the hypotenuse and you need on of the legs, this equation is reversible.
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How is it used in Real Life?You can find right triangles anywhere in the real world if you look closely. If you know two sides of a right triangle, then you can find the length of the third side. Daily life makes use of the Pythagorean theorem in various ways, such as determining the viewing size of a television, which is sometimes a factor used in purchasing decisions. Given the length and height of the screen, the diagonal viewing area can be determined with the theorem.
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Pythagorean Triples: There are many Pythagorean triples and these can be used in Architecture. In laying the foundation of a building, it is possible to make each corner a right angle, even without a carpenter's square, using only strings, the Pythagorean theorem, particularly the 3-4-5 special triangle and the architect's supervision. First, mark point A as the spot where a wall is to be built. Use a string to measure out a multiple of three, say 6 feet, and mark the endpoint as B, where B is the corner foundation. Use another string to measure a multiple of 4, say 8 feet, from point B to point C. This is the measure of the second wall. Then, a third string connects point C to A and the length should be 10 feet, a multiple of 5, to ensure that the corner is at a right angle.
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It's easy to compute the measurement of the required rafter of the roof using the Pythagorean theorem. To illustrate, if the roof calls for the pitch to have a 6-inch rise and 12-inch run, the rafter is equal to 13.4 inches when computed using the Pythagorean theorem.
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