Find the length of the hypotenuse of a right angled triangle which has other two sides of length 5 and 12.

When we have 2 sides of a right angled triangle, we can use Pythagoras' Theorem to find the third missing side. This theorem states that if we label the hypotenuse (the side opposite the right angle) as c, and the other two sides as a and b, then a2 + b2 = c2. So, looking at the values given in the question we have a = 5 and b = 12. Lets substitute this into Pythagorus' Theorem. this gives c2 = 52 + 122 = 25 + 144 = 169. So, c we can find c by square rooting 169. This gives c = 13 or c = -13, but as a length must be positive, we must have c = 13! So the length of the hypotenuse is 13.

AY
Answered by Andrew Y. Maths tutor

3533 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain how to solve simulatentous equations.


Solve: 3^(x^2-5x+2)=9^(x+1)


John wants to invest £100 into a savings account for 15 years. If he invests in saving account A he will receive 3.5% simple interest and if he invests in savings account B he will receive 3% compound interest. Which account should he choose and why?


Make s the subject of :v^2 = u^2 +2*a*s


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