General Information
Test Item Specifications
Students will identify and apply the Pythagorean theorem to find distances in real world situations or between points on the coordinate plane.
Graphics of three-dimensional figures may be included in items, but only two-dimensional figures may be assessed.
Items may assess vertical distance, horizontal distance, and grade-level appropriate applications of the Pythagorean theorem.
Items may use coordinate planes.
Graphics should be used in most of these items, as appropriate.
Items should be set in either a real-world or mathematical context.
When the responses are decimal approximations, they should be rounded to the nearest hundredths.
Sample Test Items (2)
Test Item # | Question | Difficulty | Type |
Sample Item 1 | On the coordinate plane below, ΔRST shows the path bicycle riders will follow on one of their weekly rides.
|
N/A | MC: Multiple Choice |
Sample Item 2 | A truss is a triangular structure that helps to support the roof of a building. the truss above has one side measuring 12 feet and another side measuring 16 feet. how long, in feet, is the third side of the truss, from point a to point b? |
N/A | GR: Gridded-Response |
Related Resources
Lesson Plans
Name | Description |
Bike Club Trip | In this activity the students will rank different locations for a bike club's next destination. In order to do so, the students must use Pythagorean Theorem and well as analyze data of the quantitative and qualitative type. Model Eliciting Activities, MEAs, are open-ended, interdisciplinary problem-solving activities that are meant to reveal students’ thinking about the concepts embedded in realistic situations. Click here to learn more about MEAs and how they can transform your classroom. |
Alas, Poor Pythagoras, I Knew You Well! #2 | Using different activities, students will find real life uses for the Pythagorean Theorem. |
Presentation/Slideshow
Name | Description |
Pythagoras' Theorem | This resource can be used to introduce the Pythagorean Theorem to students. It provides sketches, applets, examples and easy-to-understand visual proofs as well as an algebra proof for the theorem. |
Problem-Solving Task
Name | Description |
It's Raining!!! (Compare areas of wiped windshields) | In this problem-solving task, students are challenged to determine whether the windshield wipers on a car or a truck allow the drivers to see more area clearly. To solve this problem, students must apply the Pythagorean theorem and their ability to find area of circles and parallelograms to find the answer. Be sure to click the links in the orange bar at the top of the page for more information about the challenge. From NCTM's Figure This! Math Challenges for Families. |
Text Resource
Name | Description |
The Pythagorean Theorem | This overview of the Pythagorean Theorem covers its purpose, equation, application, and validity. The site also provides a number of illustrations which help students visualize the theorem, and links to related resources for further understanding. |
Virtual Manipulative
Name | Description |
Demonstrate the Pythagorean Theorem | Representation to illustrate the Pythagorean Theorem. |
Student Resources
Problem-Solving Task
Name | Description |
It's Raining!!! (Compare areas of wiped windshields): | In this problem-solving task, students are challenged to determine whether the windshield wipers on a car or a truck allow the drivers to see more area clearly. To solve this problem, students must apply the Pythagorean theorem and their ability to find area of circles and parallelograms to find the answer. Be sure to click the links in the orange bar at the top of the page for more information about the challenge. From NCTM's Figure This! Math Challenges for Families. |