Why was Pythagoras so obsessed with squares? The assessment task posits the question of whether the geometric interpretation of the Pythagorean Theorem holds for figures other than squares. Scholars first consider the case of semicircles and then the case of isosceles right triangles to develop a generalization.

Concepts

pythagorean theorem, semicircle, isosceles triangles, right triangles

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Additional Tags

math

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Instructional Ideas

• Consider reversing the order of the first two questions, as the relationship for isosceles right triangles follows more naturally from squares

Classroom Considerations

• Learners need to have experience with the Pythagorean Theorem
• The class also needs to be able to calculate areas of semicircles and isosceles right triangles (with variables given for dimensions)

Pros

• Resource includes rubric with descriptors for each proficiency level
• Answer key contains complete explanations for each question

Cons

• None