Pythagorean theorem

Definition

The Pythagorean theorem states that in a right-angled triangle, the square of the length of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two sides. Mathematically, it's expressed as $a^2 + b^2 = c^2$, where $c$ is the hypotenuse.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In related rates problems, the Pythagorean theorem can be used to relate different rates of change in geometric shapes involving right triangles.
2. When applying the Pythagorean theorem in calculus problems, implicit differentiation is often used to find related rates.
3. The theorem is essential for solving problems involving distances and speeds when one or more variables are changing over time.
4. Understanding how to differentiate $a^2 + b^2 = c^2$ with respect to time $t$ is crucial for solving related rates problems.
5. Problems may involve applications like ladders sliding down walls or objects moving away from each other at right angles.

Review Questions

• What does $a^2 + b^2 = c^2$ represent in a right-angled triangle?
• How do you apply implicit differentiation to the equation $a^2 + b^2 = c^2$?
• In what type of calculus problems would you use the Pythagorean theorem?

Related terms

Implicit Differentiation: A technique used to differentiate equations that are not explicitly solved for one variable.

Related Rates: Problems in calculus that involve finding a rate at which one quantity changes by relating it to other quantities whose rates of change are known.

Derivative: A measure of how a function changes as its input changes; it represents an instantaneous rate of change.