Key learning points

1. A visual approach can help you understand the structure behind Pythagoras' theorem.
2. There is a difference between proof and demonstration.
3. A demonstration would be showing Pythagoras' theorem works for specific right-angled triangles.
4. A proof is generalised i.e. using four congruent triangles arranged in a particular way inside a square.
5. The sum of the squares of the two shorter sides equals the square of the longest side.

Keywords

• Pythagoras' theorem - Pythagoras’ theorem shows that the sum of the squares of the two shorter sides of a right-angled triangle is equal to the square of its longest side (the hypotenuse).

Common misconception