Find the opposite length of the triangle with hypotenuse length 5 and adjacent length 4.

I would start off by asking them if they know the Pythagoras theorem. If they don't, I would refresh their memory and explain that its a2+b2=c2 where c is the hypotenuse (longest length). I would then ask them to draw out the triangle to help them visualise it and ask them to label the sides with a, b or c. Following this, I would ask the student to substitute the values given in the question into the equation and rearrange it so a is in the front and then go on to solve the equation. 

So b=4 and c=5. a2+42=52 hence a2=52-42. a2=25-16=9. a2=9 so a=3

Once solved, I would ask them another question of the same topic and without prompts, ask them to solve it themselves to see where their understanding might be hindered. I would go through the steps with them again. 1) Draw the triangle 2)Label the sides with a,b or c and their values  3) enter the values into the equation a2+b2=c 4)solve the equation 

FD
Answered by Fatema D. Maths tutor

2700 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

The probability a student in a school wears glasses is 3/7. There are 164 students who DON'T wear glasses. Find the number that wear glasses.


When do I use a cosine rule over a sine rule?


For the function given by f(x) = x² - 5x - 6, solve for f(x)=0 by factorising.


Draw the graph of, y = x^2 – 2x – 4


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences