Patrick Harris

Physics

9 April, 10:16

When using the given diagram, the following steps prove the Pythagorean theorem.

Step 1: Given yellow triangle abc

Step 2: Construct 3 triangles congruent to yellow triangle abc.

Step 3: (a + b) 2 = c2 + 4 (12ab)

Step 4: a2 + 2ab + b2 = c2 + 2ab

Step 5: a2 + b2 = c2

Which expression in the proof represents the area of each triangle?

A) 4 (1/2ab)

B) 12ab

C) ab

D) 2ab