1. Lesson 1

Mathematics 20-3 Module 4

Module 4: The Right Kind Of Triangles

 

Lesson 1: The Pythagorean Theorem

 

This is an image of an ancient Greek philosopher drawing a theorem in the sand.

Photos.com/Thinkstock

Focus

 

The astronomer and mathematician Pythagoras is credited with the first formal proof of the theorem that bears his name: the Pythagorean theorem. However, this theorem was well known in Egypt, Babylonia, India, and China for at least 1000 years before Pythagoras. Nevertheless, many scholars consider Pythagoras to be one of the first true scientists and the founder of a secret society, the Pythagoreans. Members of this group believed that all reality was mathematical in nature. The Pythagoreans must have loved a good puzzle and they studied a wide range of disciplines, including music, geometry, religion, philosophy, and gymnastics!

 

In this lesson, you will expand on your skills from Mathematics 10-3 and look at the real world through the lens of the Pythagorean theorem.

 

Lesson Questions

 

In this lesson you will investigate the following questions:

  • How are triangles sketched in two or three dimensions to represent a problem?
  • How can the Pythagorean theorem be applied to real-life situations?
Assessment

 

Your assessment for this lesson may include a combination of the following:

  • course folder submissions from Try This and Share

  • your contribution to the Mathematics 20-3: Glossary Terms and Formula Sheet

  • Lesson 1 Assignment (Save a copy of your lesson assignment to your course folder now.)

  • the Project Connection
Materials and Equipment
  • scissors
  • geometry set
  • glue stick
  • calculator