Pythagoras Theorem Formula: Pythagorean theorem is another name for it. illustrates how the sides of a right-angled triangle are related. Pythagorean triples refer to the sides of a right triangle. The Pythagoras theorem can be used in a variety of situations, including trigonometry and other mathematical ideas. This theorem makes everything so simple that no one can help but fall in love with it. So, let us learn about the Pythagorean theorem and the Pythagorean theorem equation’s origins.

In this article with illustrations, the Pythagoras formula and proof of this theorem are explained. The Pythagoras theorem is a formula for calculating the length of an unknown side and the angle of a triangle. We can derive the base, perpendicular, and hypotenuse formulas using this theorem. Let’s take a closer look at the Pythagorean theorem equations using Pythagorean theorem examples.

How was this theorem discovered?

The Pythagorean theorem takes its name from the ancient Greek mathematician Pythagoras. He perhaps was the first one to proving Pythagorean theorem. But this special relationship between the sides of a right-angled triangle was probably known long before Pythagoras.

Ancient traces:

Ancient Babylonian master builders used the Pythagoras theorem in construction though it wasn’t really called the Pythagorean equation theorem, its principles were used. How do we know that?

Some ancient clay tablets from Babylonia indicate that the Babylonians in the second millennium B.C., 1000 years before Pythagoras, had rules for generating Pythagorean triples. They understood the relationship between the sides of a right-angled triangle. They could even solve hypotenuse of an isosceles right-angled triangle, in which they would come up with an approximation of the final value up to five decimal places. They did this because the lengths would often represent some multiple of the formula: 1^2 + 1^2 = (sqrt of two)^2.

Was Pythagoras’ theorem used in ancient India?

Indian mathematicians in the ancient times knew the Pythagorean theorem, they also used something called the Sulbasutras (of which the earliest date from (ceremonial axe)ca. 800-600 B.C.) that discuss the theorem in the context of strict requirements for the orientation, shape, and area of altars for religious purposes. The ancient Mayas used variations of Pythagorean triples in their ‘Long Count calendar’.

Pyramids and construction:

Apart from India, the Chinese and the Egyptians also used this theorem in construction. This is how many of the Egyptian pyramids are built. The Egyptians wanted a perfect 90-degree angle to build the pyramids which were actually two right-angle triangles whose hypotenuse forms the edges of the pyramids. There are some clues that the Chinese had also developed the Pythagoras theorem using the areas of the sides long before Pythagoras himself. But they did not actually write them down and so Pythagoras gets the credit for simply writing them down.

About Pythagoras and the actual truth behind the Pythagoras theorem:

Pythagoras was born around 5000 BC, on an island called Samos in Greece. There is not much information about his youth though he did a lot of travelling to study is all that is known. Latter Pythagoras settled in Crotone(a city and comune in Calabria), where he started his cult or group called the Pythagoreans.

The Pythagoreans loved maths so much that it was like a god to them, they pretty much-worshipped maths. They believed that numbers ruled the universe with their mystical and spiritual qualities. Now, whether it was really Pythagoras or another person among the Pythagoreans who discovered the theorem is unknown since it isn’t recorded in any of their writings. But when this theorem was discovered and proved the Pythagorean sacrificed the huge number of bulls to their number of gods. Well, they were quite serious about maths 😉

FAQs on Origin of Pythagoras Theorem

Here are some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the origin of Pythagoras Theorem:

Q1: Is Pythagoras’ theorem only used for right triangles?
Ans: Pythagoras’ theorem only works for right-angled triangles, so you can use it to test whether a triangle has a right angle or not.

Q2: Did Indian Mathematicians use Pythagoras theorem in ancient India?
Ans: Indian mathematicians in the ancient times knew the Pythagorean theorem, they also used something called the Sulbasutras that discuss the theorem in the context of strict requirements for the orientation, shape, and area of altars for religious purposes. The ancient Mayas used variations of Pythagorean triples in their ‘Long Count calendar.

Q3: When and where was the Pythagoras born?
Ans: Pythagoras was born around 5000 BC, on an island called Samos in Greece.

Q4: From where does the Pythagoras Theorem derive its name?
Ans: The Pythagorean theorem takes its name from the ancient Greek mathematician Pythagoras. He perhaps was the first one to offer proof of the theorem.

Q5 Where did the Pythagoras theorem originate from?
Ans: The Pythagorean theorem first originated in ancient Babylon and Egypt (beginning about 1900 B.C.). Some ancient clay tablets from Babylonia indicate that the Babylonians in the second millennium B.C., 1000 years before Pythagoras, had rules for generating Pythagorean triples. They understood the relationship between the sides of a right-angled triangle.

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