PYTHAGOREAN THEOREM INVESTIGATIONS	    

The Pythagorean Theorem is one of the simplest and most famous of all mathematical theorems.  It has a long and illustrious history and has been investigated and employed by mathematicians for many centuries.  

In this assignment, we will take a closer look at some of the many proofs of this theorem that have been devised and use some selected proofs as the basis for a class presentation.

Assignment:
 
Part 1:

Visit http://www.cut-the-knot.org/pythagoras/index.shtml and read through the first ten of the more than seventy proofs of the Pythagorean Theorem presented there and access the related Java applets where applicable.  

From the first ten proofs, please select two to present to the class in a subsequent class meeting: one involving a geometric proof (choose from #1, 6, 7 or 8) and one involving a visual proof (choose from #2, 3, 9 or 10).   

To prepare your presentation, please read the proofs thoroughly and carefully and be sure that you can verify each step to your own satisfaction.  You may need to provide additional explanations and/or accompanying diagrams for some of the proofs.  

If selected to give a classroom presentation, you may make use of the traditional blackboard or whiteboard and you may also use PowerPoint if desired.  In addition, you may use colorful physical manipulatives for the visual proofs.

In all cases, please write a detailed outline of your presentation that includes notes on any special issues involved.

Presentation grades will be based on clarity and effectiveness of the presentation and/or outline.

Part 2:

Scan through the remaining proofs (from #11 onwards) and select one that is of particular interest to you, whether for its elegance, simplicity, generality, etc.  Please indicate the number of the proof and your reason for selecting it.

Student choices will be compiled and presented in a subsequent class as a matter of general interest.