Lesson plan

9. Apply the Pythagorean Theorem to find the distance between points (A)

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teaches Common Core State Standards 8.G.B.7 http://corestandards.org/Math/Content/8/G/B/7
teaches Common Core State Standards 8.G.B.8 http://corestandards.org/Math/Content/8/G/B/8
teaches Common Core State Standards MP1 http://corestandards.org/Math/Practice/MP1
teaches Common Core State Standards MP7 http://corestandards.org/Math/Practice/MP7
teaches Common Core State Standards MP8 http://corestandards.org/Math/Practice/MP8
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Lesson objective: Apply the Pythagorean Theorem to solve for unknown side lengths of right triangles.

This lesson provides an opportunity for students to apply their knowledge and understanding of the Pythagorean Theorem to a real-life situation. Students are asked to calculate the distance a ball will travel around a softball field during the course of several throws.

Key Concept students will use: 

  • We can use the relationships shown in the Pythagorean Theorem to solve problems given particular pieces of information about the problem.

Skills students will use:

  • estimating irrational square roots  (Grade 8, Unit 4)
  • classifying right triangles

Students engage in Mathematical Practice 4 (Model with mathematics) as they use match the mathematics of distance calculations to the representation of the path a softball travels.

Key vocabulary: 

  • hypotenuse
  • legs of a right triangle
  • Pythagorean Theorem
  • softball
  • square root
  • squared