Converse of the Pythagorean theorem worksheet for Algebra 1
Algebra 1 uses the converse to sort triangles by their sides: square the two shorter sides, add, and compare with the square of the longest. Equal means right, a larger sum means acute and a smaller one obtuse, and the longest side is not always listed last.
Also taught in Geometry and Pre-Algebra, each at its own level and with its own examples.
Not quite the one you need? Same words, different skill:
- The Pythagorean Theorem (Geometry). A missing side, a word problem, or an area.
- The Diagonal of a Box (Geometry). Pythagoras twice: across the base, then up.
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Sigma Prep · sigmaprep.io/worksheets Name Converse of the Pythagorean Theorem Date Period Classify each triangle from its sides.
Free math worksheets at sigmaprep.io/worksheets© 2026 Sigma Prep |
Sigma Prep · sigmaprep.io/worksheets Name Converse of the Pythagorean TheoremAnswer keyVersion 3 Date Period Classify each triangle from its sides.
Free math worksheets at sigmaprep.io/worksheets© 2026 Sigma Prep |
How to do these
A triangle has sides . Right, acute or obtuse?
- The longest side is 12, so compare 12² with the other two.
- 7² + 9² = 49 + 81 = 130.
- 12² = 144, and 130 is less than 144.
The answer is Obtuse.
Where students go wrong
Using the wrong side as the longest. In 24, 26, 10 the longest side is 26, and 10² + 24² = 676 = 26², so the triangle is right.
Also called classifying triangles by sides, Pythagorean inequalities, is it a right triangle or Pythagorean triples.
What you can put on this worksheet
- Right, acute or obtuse from the sides
- Use the sides and to say if the triangle is right, acute or obtuse. → Acute
- Decimal or root sides, or read off a drawing
- A triangle has sides . Right, acute or obtuse? → Right