How do you prove the Pythagorean identity using the unit circle?

Answer 1

Emily Mclaughlin

To prove the Pythagorean identity using the unit circle, consider a point (x, y) on the unit circle, where the radius is 1. By definition, x = cos(θ) and y = sin(θ). The equation of the unit circle is x^2 + y^2 = 1. Substituting, we get cos^2(θ) + sin^2(θ) = 1, which is the Pythagorean identity.