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Process of Archaeology

Glossary-Process of Archaeology

Glossary

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Pythagorean Theorem

Pythagorean Theorem The Pythagorean Theorem is used to determine the side or hypotenuse of a right triangle (a squared + b squared = c squared). It is used when laying out excavation units. The unit is set up with three people and three measuring tapes. Measuring out 2 meters along two directions and then 2.83 meters diagonally across the triangle will produce a perfect right angle. Do it again on the other side and you have a perfect 2 meter x 2 meter unit.

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MVAC Educational Programs are supported in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these programs do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities. This project was supported in part by the National Science Foundation. Opinions expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Foundation.