SOLUTION: Given: Right triangle RST with hypotenuse ST and altitude RU Prove: (RS)^2 + (RT)^2 = ST^2

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Question 1079704: Given: Right triangle RST with hypotenuse ST and altitude RU
Prove: (RS)^2 + (RT)^2 = ST^2

Found 2 solutions by Edwin McCravy, ikleyn:
Answer by Edwin McCravy(20060)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!

∡T ≅ ∡T          reflexive property
∡SRT ≅ ∡RUT      both are right angles
ΔSTR ∽ ΔRTU      two angles congruent in each

   CPST

    Cross-multiplying

---

∡S ≅ ∡S          reflexive property
∡SRT ≅ ∡SUR      both are right angles
ΔSTR ∽ ΔSRU      two angles congruent in each

   CPST

      Cross-multiplying

  Equals added to equals

Factor out ST on the left side:



TU+SU = ST                     Whole = sum of parts

  Replacing equal by equal

   

Same as what you had to prove.

Edwin



Answer by ikleyn(52803)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
.
For other proofs (including the original Pythagoras' proof) see the lessons
    - The Pythagorean Theorem
    - More proofs of the Pythagorean Theorem
in this site.


Also,  you have this free of charge online textbook on Geometry
    GEOMETRY - YOUR ONLINE TEXTBOOK
in this site.

The referred lessons are the part if this textbook under the topic
"Right-angled triangles. The Pythagorean theorem. Properties of right-angled triangles".



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