When solving word problems that use the Pythagorean Theorem, there are a few steps that can help you think more clearly and make the problem easier to solve.

1. Read Carefully: Start by reading the problem a few times. This helps you understand what it is asking. Figure out what information you have and what you need to find.

2. Visualize the Situation: Drawing a picture can really help. Sketch out the situation and label the sides of the right triangle with the numbers you know. This can make it easier to see what values match the $a$, $b$, and $c$ in the formula.

3. Use the Pythagorean Theorem: Remember the formula: $a^2 + b^2 = c^2$. Here, $c$ is the longest side, called the hypotenuse. Plug in the values you know into this equation.

4. Solve for the Unknown: If you need to find the length of one side, you can rearrange the formula. For example, to find $c$, use $c = \sqrt{a^2 + b^2}$. If you need to find one of the shorter sides, use $a = \sqrt{c^2 - b^2}$.

5. Check Your Work: After you do the math, check your numbers again. Make sure your final answer makes sense in the context of the problem.

Practice Problems:

1. A ladder leans against a wall, reaching 10 ft high while the base is 6 ft away from the wall. How long is the ladder?

2. In a right triangle, one side is 8 cm, and the other side is unknown. If the hypotenuse is 10 cm, what is the length of the other side?

By following these steps, solving word problems with the Pythagorean Theorem becomes much easier!