---
title: The Pythagorean Theorem
description: Students will create a comic that proves the Pythagorean Theorem using triangle similarity.
image: https://ideas.pixton.com/hubfs/pythagorean_theorem_2-001.png
---

**Subject: Math; STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)**

**Lesson Length: 45 mins - 1 hour**

**Topic: Math, Geometry, Triangles, Pythagorean Theorem, Proofs**

**Grade Level: 10, 11, 12, 9**

**Standards / Framework: **

- [CCSS: HSG.SRT.B.4](https://learning.ccsso.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Math_Standards1.pdf)

**Brief Description:**  Students will create a comic that proves the Pythagorean Theorem using triangle similarity.

**Know Before You Start:** Students should know and be able to use the Pythagorean Theorem.

**Comic 1**

**Comic 2**

**Hook:**

- Ask students: 
    - “What is the Pythagorean Theorem?”
    - “Why is it important to be able to prove theorems in math?”
    - “What are some proofs of the Pythagorean Theorem?”

**Activity:**

- Have students discuss applications of the Pythagorean Theorem.
- Have students discuss how similar triangles can be used to prove the Pythagorean Theorem.
- Have students create a comic that use similar triangles to illustrates their own proof of the Pythagorean Theorem.

**Closure:**

- Have students share their comics with the class or in small groups.
- Have students explain the proof to each other.
- Have students discuss why it’s important to be able to communicate mathematical ideas in visual form.
- Discuss alternate proofs for the Pythagorean Theorem.
- Emphasize that while it’s not necessary to memorize proofs, working through proofs of geometric theorems helps build critical thinking skills.

**Differentiation:**

- Allow students to use the speech-to-text feature.
- Allow students to work in pairs or groups as needed.
- Allow students to use the voiceover feature to read their comics aloud.

**Resources:**

- Comic to print or display: Comic.
- [Draw/Plan Then Write](https://ideas.pixton.com/hubfs/Printables/Graphic%20Organizers_10.pdf)
- [Concept Map](https://ideas.pixton.com/hubfs/Printables/Graphic%20Organizers_04.pdf)

- [Pythagorean Theorem](https://www.cut-the-knot.org/pythagoras/) (over 100 proofs)
- [Video: Pythagorean Proof Using Similarity - Khan Academy](https://www.khanacademy.org/math/geometry/hs-geo-trig/hs-geo-pythagorean-proofs/v/pythagorean-theorem-proof-using-similarity)

**Suggested Content:**

- [![](https://img.pixton.com/content-pack/2078531138872651776/thumbnail.png) High School ](https://content.pixton.com/high-school)
- [![](https://ideas.pixton.com/hubfs/thumbnail-geometry.png) Geometry ](https://content.pixton.com/geometry)

Assign Activity

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