Lesson Plan

The Converse of the Pythagorean Theorem

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet

Is it a right triangle or not? Introduce scholars to the converse of the Pythagorean Theorem with a lesson that also provides a proof by contradiction of the converse. Pupils use the converse to determine whether triangles with given measurements are right triangles.

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CCSS: Designed
Additional Tags
Instructional Ideas
  • Use straws cut to specific lengths and have the class build triangles to determine which ones are right triangles and which ones are not
  • Lead an exploration where the class finds some of the basic pythagorean triples
Classroom Considerations
  • For New York, the standards are labeled as post-test standards; that may not be true for all areas
  • 15th segment of a 16-part unit
Pros
  • Resource encourages the use of calculators so calculations do not interfere with the lesson
  • Some of the problems have individuals analyze someone else's work — a great peer review tool
Cons
  • None
Common Core