Pythagorean Theorem Word

Problem
by: Kayla Osario & Alexa
Hernandez
 What is the pythagorean theorem?
In mathematics, the Pythagorean Theorem states that square of
the hypotenuse the is equal to the sum of squares of the other
two sides. The theorem can be written as an equation relating
to the lengths of the sides a, b and c, often called as the
“Pythagorean equation” :

a2 + b 2 = c 2
Word Problem
Two hikers leave a cabin at the same time, one heading
south and the other heading west. After one hour, the
hiker walking south has covered 2.8 miles and the hiker
walking west has covered 3.1 miles. At that moment,
what is the shortest distance between the two hikers?
How does this apply to real life ?
When buying a suitcase it is best to know the total length of it to avoid
leaving any clothing or material you want to take on a trip behind. If
you don’t know the length you wouldn’t be able to tell how much could
fit in the suitcase.
What strategy will we be using?
We decide that the pythagorean theorem is
the best method to use for this word problem
because south and west form a right angle,
and the shortest distance between any two
points is a straight line. Therefore, we can
apply the Pythagorean theorem.
Step 1 :
First, sketch a picture 3.1 miles
cabin
( west)
of the information
given. Label any x 2.8
miles
unknown value with (south)

a variable name, like

x.
Step 2:
Use the Pythagorean
Theorem (a2 + b2 = c2) to
a2 + b 2 = c 2
write an equation to be
3.12 + 2.82 = x
solved. Remember that a
and b are the legs and c is
the hypotenuse (the longest
side or the side opposite the
90º angle).
Step 3:
Simplify the equation by a2 + b 2 = c 2
solving the exponents. 3.12 + 2.82 = x
9.61 + 7.84 = x
Step 4:
Add 9.61 and a2 + b 2 = c 2
7.48 3.12 + 2.82 = x2
9.61 + 7.48 = x
17.09
Step 5:
Square root on both a 2 + b 2 = c2
sides and cancel the 3.12 + 2.82 = x2
square root of x so it 9.61 + 7.48 = x
becomes x by itself . 17.09 = x2
Results
X equals 4.13

a2 + b 2 = c 2
3.12 + 2.82 = 232
9.61 + 7.48 = x
17.09 = x2
= 4.13
How is this word problem applied in real life?
The Pythagorean Theorem is applied to in real life
applications. Some uses can be road trips, painting a wall,
buying a suitcase, what size TV you should get, and finding
the right size computer. The Pythagorean Theorem is
supposed to allow you to calculate the length of the
diagonal that is connecting them. This is also frequently
used in architecture and construction projects.
Global Performance Outcomes
Communicate ideas- We communicates ideas by presenting our project and
sharing ideas within our group to solve and come up with the word problem.

Recognize Perspectives - We recognize perspectives by recognizing our

different point of views

Take action - We took action by presenting to the class how to solve a

pythagorean theorem word problem.
Sources
Wikipedia (what is the pythagorean theorem?)

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pythagorean_theorem

Word Problem idea from:

https://www.mathbootcamps.com/the-pythagorean-theorem