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Triangle Case #

Leg

(a)

Leg

(b)

Hypotenuse

(c)

Find the Hypotenuse (c) by using the Pythagorean Theorem

Round to the nearest whole number before taking the square root. In case #6, round to the hundredths place.

Length of Hypotenuse: Rational or Irrational?

Irrational Approximation

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Estimate with a number line,

then check the estimation with a calculator. Use the calculator value for the next triangle.

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2

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3

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4

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5

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6

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Questions for Discussion

  1. What patterns do you see? What do you think is causing it?
  2. What do you think the length of the hypotenuse will be in case #8? Will the length of the hypotenuse in case #8 be rational or irrational?
  3. Will the length of the hypotenuse ever get to zero? Why or why not?
  4. Why did we have to round off to make the pattern “work”?

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