When and how do I use Pythagoras Theorem?
You use Pythagoras theorem to work out the length of a triangles side. The triangle needs to contain a right angle to use this process. The equation that is needed is a2 + b2 = c2The hypotenuse of a triangle is the longest side and is always opposite the right angle, this sides letter is "c". For this it doesn't matter which of the remaining sides you call a and b. When you know the letter of the side you are wanting to find out then you arrange the equation. E.g. c2- a2 = b2 (As you are wanting to find the length b and already have the hypotenuse and a shorter side)Plug into the numbers into the equation and find the value.E.g. 52- 32 = b2 25 - 9 = b2The important thing to note is that the answer you've got is the squared answer, therefore square rooting the answer gives the side length. E.g. b2 = 16 b = 4A good check before moving onto the next question is that the hypotenuse (c) is the longest side.
