Figures for the Pythagorean theorem
Two labelled diagrams of squares built on a right triangle
This folio carries Leonardo's figures for the Pythagorean theorem, first drawn in pencil and then gone over in pen. A principal diagram is lettered h g, i a f, c K b, d L e, showing the squares constructed on the sides of a right triangle, and a second, analogous figure repeats the construction with the labels h, i a, c K b, d L e. The drawings belong with the proof written on the preceding folio 51v.
On this page
Principal figure: squares on the right triangle
The main diagram for the Pythagorean theorem carries the labels h g, i a f, c K b, d L e. It sets out the squares raised on the sides of a right triangle whose equality is argued in the accompanying proof.
Analogous figure
A second, simplified figure repeats the same construction with the labels h, i a, c K b, d L e. It restates the relation between the squares and the triangle more plainly.