01 · Read the map and clue
Identify the start, destination, scale and requested distance. Use the teacher’s map; do not assume the diagonal is a horizontal or vertical distance.
Pythag Treasure Hunt
Follow the clues with right-triangle reasoning.
Pythag Treasure Hunt
Use the map and clue handout supplied by your teacher in class. This page supports your mathematics; the classroom handout contains the actual hunt.
A reliable route through each clue
02 · Draw a right triangle
Label the perpendicular horizontal and vertical changes. Check whether the unknown is the hypotenuse or a leg. A sloping segment needs both coordinate differences.
03 · Calculate and record
Write the correct equation, substitute the known lengths and solve. Keep intermediate precision and follow the handout’s rounding instructions. Record your calculation and travel distance.
04 · Check the route
Check the size and units of your answer. Make sure the new location agrees with the clue before continuing. Add only the route segments actually travelled to the cumulative total.
Two perpendicular changes. One diagonal.
This is an original practice example, separate from the classroom hunt. A route moves 6 grid squares east and 8 north. Each grid square represents 5 m.
Predict first. Change one value, then explain the result. Diagrams show the entered dimensions; displayed decimals are rounded.
From grid distance to ground distance
- The diagonal is √(6² + 8²) = √100 = 10 grid squares.
- Apply the stated scale: 10 × 5 = 50 m.
- Travelling along the two perpendicular legs would be (6 + 8) × 5 = 70 m. That is a different route.
- Record the length of the route actually specified. Do not add a diagonal and its legs as though all were travelled.
Check before you exchange or submit
Route and reasoning checklist
- The assigned map and clue handout are available.
- Every triangle has a justified right angle and labelled sides.
- Equations match the requested side and units.
- Rounding follows the classroom instructions.
- The travel log records the route actually travelled.
Your teacher supplies deadlines, grouping, assessment criteria and classroom arrangements.