Question

(1) The area of the exterior square is found by squaring side c, which is c2, or by adding the areas of the four interior triangles and interior square, 2ab + a2 – 2ab + b2.

(2) By distribution, the area is a2 – 2ab + b2.

(3) The length of a side of the interior square is (a – b).

(4) The area of the interior square is (a – b)2.

Therefore, c2 = 2ab + a2 – 2ab + b2.

Through addition, c2 = a2 + b2.

Which is the most logical order of statements (1), (2), (3), and (4) to complete the proof?
Answer
(3), (1), (2), (4)
(3), (1), (4), (2)
(3), (4), (1), (2)
(3)