How do you work out the length of one of the sides of a right-angled triangle given the other two?

You must first identify which sides you are given. If you have been given both sides which are not the hypotenuse (the longest side opposite the ninety degree angle) then you can use the equation:

a^2 + b^2 = c^2

where a and b are the lenghts of the two sides you are given and c is the length of the hypotenuse. If you have been given one length and the hypotenuse then you simply rearrange the equation to a^2 = c^2 - b^2 where c is the hypotenuse and b is the other known side.

TW
Answered by Toby W. Maths tutor

5126 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Functions question: f(x) = 3x + 2a; g(x) = ax + 6; fg(x) = 12x + b. a and b are constants; Work out the value of b


How do you calculate ratios? Example question: 'White paint costs £2.80 per litre, Blue paint costs £3.50 per litre, White paint and blue paint are mixed in the ratio 3:2. Work out the cost of 18 litres of the mixture [4 marks]' AQA Mathematics (8300)


Solve the simultaneous equations x + y = 3 and x^2 + y^2 = 5


Rationalise the following: { 5 } / { 3 - sqrt(2) }


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