How do I know whether to add or minus in Pythagoras's theorem?

Firstly it has to be a right angled trinagle. Even if it is an irregukar shape, draw a line in to make it a right angled triangle. When you have your right angled triangle remember it is ALWAYS + if it is the hypotenuse (longest side) and - if it is not the hypotenuse.

NM
Answered by Nehemie M. Maths tutor

40911 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

A cycle race across Hungary is 392,5 miles long. Bob is a contestant in this race, he can go as fast as 13.48 miles per hour and can pedal 6 hours a day. Work out in how many days will Bob complete this race.


A shape consists of a quarter circle (radius r = 4cm) attached to a triangle (side length = 4cm and hypotenuse = 5cm). This shape is surrounded by a square (side length 8cm). If the shape is coloured in, what is the area in the square that is uncoloured?


Factorise 6x^2 - 12x


x^2+2=18, find the value of x.


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