PYTHAGOREAN THEOREM

A PRACTICAL APPLICATION

WHAT IS IT:

The Pythagorean Theorem is a mathematical theorem that pertains to the properties of a right triangle.  It basically states that the sum of the two legs of a right triangle squared equals the hypotenuse squared.

Okay, that's nice but how does this apply to anything?  

First of all it deals with right triangles.  That means one angle is 90 degrees and therefore it is "square" and you can use this formula to "square up" a wall or a deck.  The easiest way to work with this is the 3-4-5 approach.  If a=3, b=4, then c=5.  What's great about 3-4-5 is that it works in inches, feet, or any other measuring system you want to use.  Also, as long as you multiply all three numbers by the same number, it still works.  Therefore, using the 3-4-5 system and you want to be more accurate (the longer the legs, the more accurate it becomes) you can use 6-8-10, 9-12-15, 12-16-25, and so forth.  Remember, this works with either feet or inches.

Now, back to uses.  Let's say you are building a deck and need to square it up with the house.  Measure one side and mark the increment of 3 or 4.  Measure the other leg of the triangle and make a mark at either 3 or 4 depending on your previous selection.  Now measure the diagonal and adjust the deck so this measurement is 5.  You now have a square deck.

 Once you have set the angle square you can pull a parallel to set up the rest of the deck and still have it square.

This, by the way, is the same method that is used to calculate rafter lengths for a roof.  

 WAS THIS USEFUL?

YES

SOMEWHAT

NO

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