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

3521 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How do you find the highest common factor of two numbers?


Define x and y if 2x+y=16 and 4x+6y=24


If the probability of picking a red ball out of bag A is 2/5 and the probability of picking a red ball out of bag B is 3/7, what is the chance that you will pick exactly 2 red balls if you pick 2 balls from A and 1 ball from B? The balls are not replaced.


Simplify 2^11 x 8


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning