Finding a Missing Right Triangle Leg
A stick-figure teacher walks through a split-screen comparison of two ways to find a missing leg of a right triangle when the hypotenuse and one leg are known. The left side applies the Pythagorean theorem directly, substituting 15 and 17 and solving for x. The right side uses the difference-of-squares shortcut, (c+b)(c-b), reaching the same answer, x = 8. Useful for students learning multiple solving strategies and teachers demonstrating algebraic equivalence.
Narrated · 16:9 · Preview before teaching · automatic layout checks do not establish subject accuracy
The prompt that made it
Create a vertical 9:16 educational math animation for a YouTube Short. The main character is a simple original stick figure. The stick figure is the teacher and narrator of the animation. It should actively walk around the mathematical numbers, letters, formulas, and diagrams, point at them, interact with them, and visually guide the viewer through every step. IMPORTANT: Keep the mathematics, numbers, formulas, labels, and calculations perfectly accurate and clearly readable. The topic is: How to find the missing leg of a right triangle when the hypotenuse and one leg are known. Use this example: Hypotenuse = 17 One leg = 15 Missing leg = x The screen must be divided vertically into TWO equal sections by a clear line in the center. LEFT SIDE — Pythagorean Theorem method: Show a right triangle with: hypotenuse = 17 one leg = 15 other leg = x The stick figure walks around the triangle and points to each side. Then show: a² + b² = c² Substitute the values: 15² + x² = 17² Then calculate: 225 + x² = 289 Therefore: x² = 289 − 225 x² = 64 Then: x = √64 x = 8 RIGHT SIDE — Alternative method: Show the same right triangle with 15, 17, and x. The stick figure points to 17 and 15. First add the hypotenuse and the known leg: 17 + 15 = 32 Then subtract them: 17 − 15 = 2 Multiply the two results: 32 × 2 = 64 Then take the square root: √64 = 8 Therefore: x = 8 Animate each calculation step-by-step. The stick figure should move naturally between the numbers and formulas and point to the exact part being explained. At the end, show both methods side by side and highlight: x = 8 Make it clear that both methods give the same answer. Style: modern educational mathematical animation, clean 2D graphics, simple original stick figure teacher, smooth movements, engaging but not childish, high-quality educational visuals, clear typography, minimal clutter. Do not use any copyrighted characters, existing cartoon characters, logos, or third-party footage. No music is required. Focus on the mathematical explanation. Duration: 35–50 seconds. Format: 9:16 vertical. Language: English.
Make the next one in this series
- Show how to find the hypotenuse when both legs are known using the same two methods
- Explain why (c+b)(c-b) equals c squared minus b squared with a visual proof
- Demonstrate solving a right triangle when only one leg and an angle are known using trigonometry
