Skip to Main Content
Mike McGarry
Lesson by Mike McGarry
Magoosh Expert

Summary
The content provides an in-depth exploration of right triangles, focusing on their properties, the Pythagorean theorem, and strategies for solving related GMAT problems efficiently.
  • Right triangles have one 90-degree angle, with the longest side opposite this angle known as the hypotenuse, and the other two sides called legs.
  • The Pythagorean theorem, a^2 + b^2 = c^2, is a fundamental principle that applies exclusively to right triangles, facilitating the calculation of one side's length when the other two are known.
  • Pythagorean triplets are sets of three integers that satisfy the Pythagorean theorem and can significantly expedite problem-solving on the GMAT.
  • Proportional reasoning and scaling down by the greatest common factor are effective strategies for simplifying calculations with large numbers in right triangle problems.
  • Understanding and applying these concepts and techniques can greatly enhance efficiency and accuracy in solving geometry problems on the GMAT.
Chapters
00:00
Understanding Right Triangles
01:13
The Pythagorean Theorem
02:55
Applying the Pythagorean Theorem
06:34
Pythagorean Triplets and Proportional Reasoning