Pythagorean theorem

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.

Pythagorean theorem

/ 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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Pythagorean theorem¹

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

The name is applied by the French to the Pythagorean Theorem.

From Project Gutenberg

The Pythagorean Theorem, as it is generally called, has had other names.

From Project Gutenberg

In fact, without the concept of the square root, not even the Pythagorean Theorem can be fully grasped.

From Project Gutenberg

This is not available at this time, however, because the Pythagorean Theorem has not been proved.

From Project Gutenberg

These two propositions are usually proved by the help of the Pythagorean Theorem.

From Project Gutenberg