Pythagorean theorem

American  

noun

Geometry.

1. the theorem that the square of the hypotenuse of a right triangle is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides.

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Pythagorean theorem Scientific  

/ pĭ-thăg′ə-rē′ən /

1. A theorem stating that the square of the length of the hypotenuse of a right triangle is equal to the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other sides. It is mathematically stated as c ² = a ² + b ², where c is the length of the hypotenuse and a and b the lengths of the other two sides.

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Etymology

Origin of Pythagorean theorem

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

We still use the Pythagorean theorem and euclidean principles.

From Slate • Sep. 26, 2025

The Pythagorean theorem provides an equation to calculate the longer side of a right triangle by summing the squares of the other two sides.

From Scientific American • Apr. 10, 2023

In Plato's dialogue Meno, Socrates coaxes the Pythagorean theorem out of an uneducated boy by asking him a series of simple questions.

From Scientific American • Mar. 7, 2023

Fortunately, there’s a much easier way to use the Pythagorean theorem on a job site.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 12, 2022

When she looked, he pointed to a page with the Pythagorean theorem.

From "Out of Darkness" by Ashley Hope Pérez