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When proving the Pythagorean Theorem, we use the given diagram. What is the area of all four triangles combined?

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Answer:OPTION B) 2ab

Explanation:Side of larger square = (a + b) units

Side of smaller square = c units

To Find:

The area of all four triangles combined = ?

Solution:

a^2 + b^2 = c^2 (Pythagoras theorem) -(1)

The area of all four triangles combined = Area of larger square - Area of smaller square

The area of all four triangles combined = (a + b)^2 - c^2

The area of all four triangles combined = a^2 + b^2 + 2ab - (a^2 + b^2) {By (1)}

The area of all four triangles combined = a^2 + b^2 + 2ab - a^2 - b^2

The area of all four triangles combined = a^2 - a^2 + b^2 - b^2 + 2ab

Therefore, The area of all four triangles combined = 2ab sq. units

User EricBoersma
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