Before the Activity
Provide each student with a copy of the attached .pdf document.
During the Activity
This activity will help students visualize the Pythagorean relationship in a very different manner. Rather than squares built off the sides of the triangle, a completely different approach is used that involves three triangles as part of a trapezoid. The algebraic proof is a very natural extension of the construction.
After the Activity
Review student answers
As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
Re-teach concepts as necessary