Pythagorean theorem

Pythagorean theorem

The Pythagorean theorem is a2 + b2 = c2.

Pythagorean theorem

n.

The theorem that the sum of the squares of the lengths of the sides of a right triangle is equal to the square of the length of the hypotenuse.

Pythag′ore′an the′orem

n.

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.

[1905–10]

Py·thag·o·re·an theorem

(pĭ-thăg′ə-rē′ən)

A theorem stating that the square of the length of the hypotenuse (the longest side) of a right triangle is equal to the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other sides. It is mathematically stated as c² = a² + b², where c is the length of the hypotenuse and a and b the lengths of the other two sides.