Lesson 8
Applications of the Pythagorean Theorem
Let’s explore some applications of the Pythagorean Theorem.
Problem 1
A man is trying to zombie-proof his house. He wants to cut a length of wood that will brace a door against a wall. The wall is 4 feet away from the door, and he wants the brace to rest 2 feet up the door. About how long should he cut the brace?
Problem 2
At a restaurant, a trash can’s opening is rectangular and measures 7 inches by 9 inches. The restaurant serves food on trays that measure 12 inches by 16 inches. Jada says it is impossible for the tray to accidentally fall through the trash can opening because the shortest side of the tray is longer than either edge of the opening. Do you agree or disagree with Jada’s explanation? Explain your reasoning.
Problem 3
Select all the sets that are the three side lengths of right triangles.
8, 7, 15
4, 10, \(\sqrt{84}\)
\(\sqrt{8}\), 11, \(\sqrt{129}\)
\(\sqrt{1}\), 2, \(\sqrt{3}\)
Problem 4
For each pair of numbers, which of the two numbers is larger? How many times larger?
- \(12 \boldcdot 10^9\) and \(4 \boldcdot 10^9\)
- \(1.5 \boldcdot 10^{12}\) and \(3 \boldcdot 10^{12}\)
- \(20 \boldcdot 10^4\) and \(6 \boldcdot 10^5\)
Problem 5
A line contains the point \((3,5)\). If the line has negative slope, which of these points could also be on the line?
\((2,0)\)
\((4,7)\)
\((5,4)\)
\((6,5)\)
Problem 6
Noah and Han are preparing for a jump rope contest. Noah can jump 40 times in 0.5 minutes. Han can jump \(y\) times in \(x\) minutes, where \(y = 78x\). If they both jump for 2 minutes, who jumps more times? How many more?
Problem 7
Draw the following lines and then write an equation for each.
- Slope is 0, \(y\)-intercept is 5
- Slope is 2, \(y\)-intercept is -1
- Slope is -2, \(y\)-intercept is 1
- Slope is \(\text-\frac{1}{2}\), \(y\)-intercept is -1