Formula
a² + b² = c²
In a right triangle, the square of the hypotenuse (c) equals the sum of the squares of the other two sides (a and b).
Visual Proof
The colored squares on each side show the geometric proof:
- Blue square = a²
- Green square = b²
- Purple square = c²
Observe how the area of the purple square always equals the sum of the blue and green squares.
How to Use
• Drag sliders to change legs a and b
• Watch the triangle and squares update in real-time
• See the equation a² + b² = c² verified
• Try making a = b to see an isosceles right triangle
Did You Know?
The Pythagorean theorem is over 3,500 years old. It was known to Babylonian mathematicians long before Pythagoras, but he is credited with the first formal proof. There are over 400 known proofs of this theorem!