No matter where in the world you are or how you write the date, certain dates create Pythagorean Theorem Days!
Pythagorean Theorem Day or Pythagoras’ Theorem Day is celebrated when the sum of the squares of the month and day equals the square of the year.
Now this doesn’t happen every year, so it’s mathematically special.
For example:
December 16, 2020 (12/16/20 or 16/12/20): 12² + 16² = 20²
July 24, 2025 (7/24/25 or 24/7/25): 7² + 24² = 25²
Pythagorean Theorem Day also makes a great opportunity for teachers to engage students in learning activities related to geometry and mathematics.
First, review your students’ understanding of the Pythagorean Theorem and its components. How much do they already know? What areas need more work?
Once you’ve assessed their level of understanding, it’s time to get creative.
Give these Pythagorean Theorem themed activities a go!
1. Find the missing length
For younger students, create a giant triangle on poster paper in front of your class and write unknown side lengths on each corner.
Have students measure each side using rulers or measuring tape and then calculate the remaining sides using the theorem. This activity can be made more interactive by having students guess the answers before they measure them.
Think out of the box! Use fun visuals such as diagrams, images and videos to make the learning more engaging.
For example, here’s how you can teach Pythagorean Theorem… using chocolate!
2. Who was Pythagoras?
Share his story with your students through a video or a book. Connecting a well-known historical mathematics story like how Pythagoras came up with his theory can inspire and help students relate to mathematics concepts in class.
Students can learn about Pythagoras in the Mathletics Dictionary, and what is he most well-known for.
3. Pythagoras Scavenger Hunt
Divide students into teams and provide each team with a list of questions related to the theorem, such as: “What is the length of the hypotenuse if one of its sides is 3 and the other is 4?” or “Explain how to use the Pythagorean Theorem to find a missing side length.”
Once all questions are answered, award prizes to the winning team!
4. Build a “Pythagorean City”
Divide the class into small groups and have each group create a city block using cardboard or paper. Each group must include a building that incorporates the Pythagorean theorem (for example, a building with a triangular roof). Students can then give presentations on their city blocks, explaining how they used the theorem in their designs.
5. Pythagorean Theorem Mathletics sample activities
6. When is the next Pythagorean Theorem Day?
Challenge your students to find dates that work as Pythagorean Theorem Days.
They need to look for dates where the month² + day² = year². Can they find any?
7. Connect it back to real life
Don’t forget to set aside time for students to reflect on what they have learned and discuss its application in everyday life scenarios. Some questions to spark their thinking:
- How do we use this equation in real-world applications?
- What other types of equations are similar?
- How do these equations connect with each other?
With these discussions, it’ll give students an opportunity to reflect on their learning and see how mathematics can be relevant to their everyday lives.
These are just a few ideas to get you started. Feel free to adapt these activities to best suit the needs and interests of your students!
