The famous Pythagoras of Samos was a Greek mathematician and philosopher and lived about 2.5 thousand years ago. Pythagorean theorem states that in a right triangle, the squared hypotenuse – the largest side opposite the right angle – is equal to the sum of the squared legs – two smaller sides. Knowing the values of two of these sides, it is possible to find the value of the third. This theorem is one of the most significant discoveries of humankind since it is simple to understand, and with its help, one can derive many theorems of geometry. Moreover, the Pythagorean theorem is applied in many spheres of human life, such as architecture or sports.
Professional athletes often need not only to work out a lot to achieve success but also to know the basics of geometry and mathematics. Athletes who are engaged in sports note that knowledge of mathematics helps them in building tactics and in calculating physical activity. Sportsmen also unequivocally state that each of them needs to build an algorithm of actions. Thus, in sports, as well as in mathematics, there is an algorithm for action.
Before making a shot, basketball players should calculate the force with which to throw the ball so that it gets into the basket. Players standing on the same line, but one of them is the opposite, and the other slightly away from the basket will make different efforts, since for each the distance is different. Moreover, taking into account the theorem, a line of separation into zones for two-point and three-point shots was created. The use of the theorem is even more effective in baseball since the field is square. The distance between the bases is equal, which helps to determine the length of the throw.