Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Pythagoras' theorem states that for any right triangle, the square of the length of the hypotenuse (the side opposite the right angle) is equal to the sum of squares of the lengths of other two sides.
Related terms
Right triangle: A triangle that has one angle equal to 90 degrees.
Hypotenuse: The side of a right triangle that is opposite the right angle.
Legs: The two sides of a right triangle that form the right angle.