1 STEP : We need to make sure the formula
(a+b)2=a2+2ab+b2
We will use the area method. Without proof, we believe that we understand the formulas for the area of a rectangle with sides a and b - S=ab , and the area of a square with side a - S=a2
Then,
S=(a+b)2−large square formula
This square consists of two rectangles and two different squares. Then,
(a+b)2=a2+2⋅ab+b2Q.E.D.
2 STEP : We pass to the proof of the Pythagorean theorem.
We will also use the area method. We construct a large square with side (a + b) of four rectangular triangles as shown in the figure
S=(a+b)2=a2+2ab+b2−large square formula
This square consists of four rectangular triangles with legs a and b and a square with side c , therefore
a2+2ab+b2=c2+4⋅21⋅a⋅ba2+2ab+b2=c2+2⋅a⋅ba2+b2=c2
Q.E.D.
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