Proving the Pythagorean Theorem to Junior High School students through the Asian method

Abstract

The development of right triangle concept has been known since ancient Egypt and is still be used in daily life until now. One of the most popular theorems that relate to the right triangle is Pythagorean Theorem. In its development, the Pythagorean Theorem has been proven by mathematicians with different methods. Based on historical developments there are approximately 200 proofs of the Pythagorean Theorem that has been found. Nevertheless, history still has interesting mysteries to study especially for the development of the Pythagorean Theorem in Asia. In student textbooks, the proof of Pythagorean Theorem introduction often comes from the European continent such as proof by Pythagoras, Euclid, and Leonardo Da Vinci. This caused Pythagorean Theorem’ development in Asia as if it were excluded, the proof of Pythagorean Theorem in Asia also developed by mathematicians such as Bhaskara and Zhao Shang with different names. Even so, the discussion of those Pythagorean Theorem proof can be introduced to students as an initial concept in Pythagorean Theorem chapter and presented pleasantly in the form of mathematics historical comic to make it more attractive. The discussion result in this journal is also in line with the 2013 curriculum which emphasizes student activity and fun learning model.