Question 590177
a^2+b^2=c^2

so how you use it is that c is the hypotenuse, also known as the longest side of a triangle.

check this website for a picture: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Pythagorean.svg

The other two sides have to be shorter than the hypotenuse.

So, if you have a question similar to this:

c=2 

b= 3

find a


The answer to this question is {impossible}

The reason why is because 9(3^2)+a^2=4 (2^2)

solving for a^2:

4-9=a^2

-5=a^2

sqrt(-5)=a^2

it is undefined!

However, if you have this question:

a=2

b=3

find c

a^2+b^2=c^2

(2^2)+(3^2)=c^2

The answer is: 4+9 = 13

13 = c^2

c = sqrt (13)

If you need a tutorial of powers, reply!