What is Pythagoras' Theorem and how do I use it?

Pythagoras' Theorem is used to find the length of the hypotenuse (longest side, opposite the 90 degree angle) of a right angled triangle when the length of the other 2 sides are known.The equation is a2+b2=c2For example, if a triangle has sides of 4 cm and 3 cm.Say a = 4cm and b = 3cm. Then, c2 =42+33 = 16 + 9 = 25and c = 5
4cm |\ |_\ 3cm

ST
Answered by Sophie T. Maths tutor

2981 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

A cuboid has sides such that the longest side is two units more than the shortest side, and the middle length side is one unit longer than the shortest side. The total surface area of the cuboid is 52 units². Calculate the length of the shortest side.


What is a vector and how do I calculate the 'modulus' of a vector?


How to multiply and divide mixed fractions


Factorise 3x^2+15x


We're here to help

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

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning