Consequences of the Pythagorean Theorem

In summary, the question of the consequences and uses of the Pythagorean theorem is a bit vague and does not have a definitive answer. However, it is important to research and understand how and why the theorem is considered significant. This can help in determining when and where it can be applied.
  • #1
Perlita
6
0
Hello!
I have a homework for tomorrow. The question is: What are the consequences of the Pythagorean theorem??
On Wikipedia, they mixed the consequences and the uses of the theorem in one paragraph:

5.1 Pythagorean triples
5.2 Incommensurable lengths
5.3 Complex numbers
5.4 Euclidean distance in various coordinate systems
5.5 Pythagorean trigonometric identity
5.6 Relation to the cross productI assume that the first two are the consequences, and the rest are the uses of the theorem, but I want to be 100% sure.
Any help?
 
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  • #2
I think this question is "too vague" to have a definitive answer. In particular, there is no "firm line" in mathematics between "consequence" and "use" of ANY theorem.

I suspect what your instructor wanted you to do is RESEARCH this, and arrive at some understanding of how the Pythagorean theorem came to be regarded as so important. "Copypasta" from Wikipedia isn't really doing that, is it?
 
  • #3
Are you perhaps asking in what situations the Pythagorean theorem can be used and in what situations it cannot?
 

1. What is the Pythagorean Theorem?

The Pythagorean Theorem is a mathematical formula that states the relationship between the three sides of a right triangle. It states that the square of the length of the hypotenuse (the side opposite the right angle) is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides.

2. What are the consequences of the Pythagorean Theorem?

The consequences of the Pythagorean Theorem are numerous and far-reaching. It is used in various fields such as architecture, engineering, and navigation to calculate distances and angles. It also helps in solving equations and proving other mathematical theorems.

3. How does the Pythagorean Theorem affect daily life?

The Pythagorean Theorem has many practical applications in daily life. It is used in construction to ensure that buildings are built at right angles, and in carpentry to measure and cut angles accurately. It is also used in mapmaking and GPS navigation to calculate distances between points.

4. Can the Pythagorean Theorem be applied to all triangles?

No, the Pythagorean Theorem only applies to right triangles, which are triangles with one 90-degree angle. It does not work for other types of triangles, such as equilateral or isosceles triangles.

5. How did the Pythagorean Theorem get its name?

The Pythagorean Theorem is named after the ancient Greek mathematician Pythagoras, who first discovered and proved the theorem around 500 BC. However, it is believed that the theorem was known and used by other civilizations before Pythagoras.

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