U3L13 Using the Pythagorean Theorem and Similarity

In a subsequent lesson, students will use the altitude to the hypotenuse of a right triangle to prove the Pythagorean Theorem. An altitude in a triangle is a line segment from a vertex to the opposite side that is perpendicular to that side. This lesson sets the stage for that proof by supporting students to make sense of the similar triangles formed by drawing the altitude to the hypotenuse of a right triangle. Students also get a chance to practice using the Pythagorean Theorem, equivalent ratios, and scale factors to find unknown side lengths in similar right triangles. Students have a chance to reason abstractly and quantitatively (MP2) as they reason about angles in the triangles formed by drawing the altitude to the hypotenuse of a right triangle using tracing paper, measurement, and logical and algebraic reasoning. This activity includes lesson summary videos and practice problems 

By JOEL NELSON