How do you calculate the hypotenuse of a right angle triangle if the two shorter sides are 6 and 8?

As this is a right angle triangle, we need to use Pythagoras's Theorem. 

This says that the length of the longest side of a right angle triangle (the hypotenuse) is equal to the sqaure root of the sum of the squares of two other sides.

So in this case:

h = sqrt(6^2 + 8^2)

h= sqrt(36 + 64)

h = sqrt (100)

h = 10 :)

Fun fact - this is a special triangle known as a Pythagorean triple as all three sides are integers (whole numbers) 

RV
Answered by Rebecca V. Maths tutor

5884 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Solve this pair of simultaneous equations: 3x + 2y = 4 and 2x + y = 3


Solve the equation 5m-2=16-4m


Solve the two equations: Equation 1: 2a - 5b = 11 Equation 2: 3a + 2b = 7


Expand and simplify (x − 4)(2x + 3y)^2


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