Finding Missing Sides of Right Triangles Using the Pythagorean Theorem

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

This instructional video provides a comprehensive review of the Pythagorean Theorem, a fundamental concept in geometry used to find the missing side of a right triangle. Narrated by Justin, the lesson begins by defining the specific parts of a right triangle—identifying the legs and the hypotenuse—and explaining the importance of correctly labeling them before applying the formula $a^2 + b^2 = c^2$. The video walks viewers through two distinct examples to demonstrate the theorem's application in different scenarios. The first example solves for an unknown hypotenuse using a standard 5-12-13 triangle. The second example presents a more complex problem where the hypotenuse is known, requiring students to solve for a missing leg; this example also demonstrates how to simplify radicals (square roots) for an exact answer rather than using decimal approximations. Designed for middle and high school math students, this video serves as an excellent resource for introducing the concept or reviewing it before moving on to the Distance Formula. It effectively models mathematical thinking, algebraic manipulation, and the procedure for simplifying square roots, making it a versatile tool for classroom instruction, homework support, or test preparation.