Pythagorean Word Problems

Problems involving the sides of right triangles require the use of the Pythagorean theorem. First, what is a right triangle? They are triangles that have a 90 degree angle in them. In the below picture only the red triangle is a right triangle.

The Pythagorean theorem is a relationship the sides of a right triangle all have.

It isn't so important which side "a" and "b" are, but "c" must be across from the right angle. "a" and "b" are called legs and "c" is called the hypotenuse. 

Here is an example of a right triangle problem. How far is the base of the ladder from the wall in the picture below.

Here is a demonstration on how to solve this problem. Now try some on your own. 

Now try a few on your own.

• Practice Problem 1:  

[here is the solution, don't peak until you've tried it.]

• Practice Problem 2:  

[here is the solution, don't peak until you've tried it.]

• Practice Problem 3: A rectangular garden is 3 feet longer than it is wide. Determine the dimensions of the garden to the nearest foot if it measures 16 feet diagonally.
   [here is the solution, don't peak until you've tried it.]