The Pythagorean Theorem is an amazing math formula for use with RIGHT Triangles.
It is also useful for finding the Distance and Mid-Point of lines on the Coordinate Plane.

The basic formula is: a^2 + b^2 = c^2
Where 'a' and 'b' are the shorter LEGS (sides) and 'c' is the hypotenuse.
The Hypotenuse is the LONGEST side and is opposite the Right Angle.
'a' is sometimes the Shorter Leg and 'b' is the Longer Leg.
'b' can also be the "base" or "bottom" of the triangle.
a + b is always longer than 'c'.

There are interesting combinations of numbers called TRIPLETS. 
3, 4, 5 is a common ratio for the sides: 3^2 + 4^2 = 5^2
9 + 16 = 25
ANY MULTIPLES of the 3:4:5 side ratio is also a Right Triangle.
You can often use RATIOS to find a missing side if you see the Scale Factor:
6, 8, 10;    9, 12, 15;   30, 40, 50; and even fractional: 1.5, 2, 2.5

Other common triplets are:
(5, 12, 13)
(7, 24, 25)
(8, 15, 17)
(9, 40, 41)

Revised: April 15, 2024