Understanding Garfield's Proof of the Pythagorean Theorem

The video explores a unique proof of the Pythagorean theorem discovered by James Garfield, the 20th President of the United States. Garfield, not a professional mathematician, developed this proof while serving in the US House of Representatives. The video demonstrates the construction of right triangles and a trapezoid, leading to the derivation of the Pythagorean theorem. It highlights the geometric relationships and calculations involved, showcasing Garfield's contribution to mathematics.

Who was James Garfield before he became known for his proof of the Pythagorean theorem?

• A professional mathematician

• A scientist

• The 20th President of the United States

• A famous artist

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CCSS.8.G.B.8

What is the significance of the right triangle constructed by Garfield?

• It is a triangle with no right angles

• It is a scalene triangle

• It is used to demonstrate the Pythagorean theorem

• It is an equilateral triangle

What is the mystery angle in the constructed triangles?

• 45 degrees

• 30 degrees

• 90 degrees

• 60 degrees

How is the trapezoid constructed in Garfield's proof?

• By using a circle and a triangle

• By using a square and a triangle

• By using two squares

• By using two congruent triangles

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CCSS.6.G.A.1

What is the formula for the area of a trapezoid used in the proof?

• Length times width

• Height times the average of the bases

• Base times width

• Base times height

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CCSS.7.G.B.4

What is the result of simplifying the area equations in Garfield's proof?

• The formula for the volume of a cube

• The Pythagorean theorem

• The formula for the area of a circle

• The formula for the area of a rectangle

Tags

CCSS.8.G.B.8

What does the equation a^2 + b^2 = c^2 represent?

• The formula for the area of a triangle

• The Pythagorean theorem

• The formula for the circumference of a circle

• The formula for the volume of a sphere

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CCSS.RI.6.3

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.3

CCSS.RI.9-10.3

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

What was James Garfield's role when he discovered the proof?

• A Supreme Court judge

• A member of the US Senate

• A member of the US House of Representatives

• A state governor

What does the proof demonstrate about Garfield's interests?

• He was interested in chemistry

• He was interested in biology

• He was interested in physics

• He was interested in geometry

What does the proof show about US Presidents and geometry?

• Only Abraham Lincoln was interested in geometry

• James Garfield was the only President interested in geometry

• Several US Presidents, including Garfield, were interested in geometry

• No US Presidents were interested in geometry