In a right-angled triangle, there are three sides: hypotenuse, perpendicular as well as the base. The base, as well as the perpendicular, make an angle of 90 degrees with each other. So, according to a Pythagorean theorem or Pythagoras theorem, “the square of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of a base square and perpendicular square”. It is expressed as:
Hypotenuse2 = Base2 + Perpendicular2
This theorem is applicable for right-angled triangle only, although we will see its huge applications in trigonometry. Let us see the proof of this theorem.
Proof: Suppose a triangle ABC, right-angled at B.
To Prove: AC2 = AB2 + BC2
Explanation: Draw a perpendicular BD to meet the side AC at D.
Since we know by the theorem: “If a perpendicular is drawn from the vertex of the right angle of a right triangle to the hypotenuse then triangles on both sides of the perpendicular are similar to the whole triangle and to each other”.
Therefore,
△ADB ~ △ABC
Hence,
AD/AB = AB/AC (Condition for similarity)
Or, AB2 = AD × AC ………………….(1)
Also, △BDC ~△ABC (Applying same theorem)
Therefore,
CD/BC = BC/AC (Condition for similarity)
Or,
BC2 = CD × AC ……………………..(2)
Adding the equations (1) and (2) we get,
AB2 + BC2 = AD × AC + CD × AC
AB2 + BC2 = AC (AD + CD)
Since, AD + CD = AC
Therefore, AC2 = AB2 + BC2
Hence, the Pythagorean theorem is proved.
