Pythagorean Theorem - Incomplete proof

237 Views Asked by At

The image below is supposed to prove Pythagorean Theorem (without words). However, I see that it is assuming that the square of side $c$ can be inscribed in the square of side $a+b$ and would result in the $4$ triangles of equal area. This fact is only assumed, so would the proof be considered incomplete?

enter image description here

1

There are 1 best solutions below

3
On BEST ANSWER

Theorem :

In a right triangle with legs $a,b$ and hypothenuse $c$:

$a^2+b^2=c^2.$

Geometric proof:

Consider a square of side length $a+b$ (drawing).

Partition the sides into $a$ and $b$ as shown.

Each of the $4$ corner triangles formed are congruent by $SAS$, i.e. $a,b$, and right angle between.

Hence the quadrilateral formed by connecting the partition points has $4$ equal sides $c$, a rhombus.

The adjacent sides of the inner quadrilateral are perpendicular (why?).

Hence the inner quadrilateral is a square.

Area of outer square of side length $a+b:$

$A:= (a+b)^2.$

Also:

$A= 4(1/2)ab + c^2$, where $(1/2)ab$ is the area of one triangle (why?).

Finally:

$a^2+b^2 = c^2$.