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

5173 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Find the possible values of x when x^2+8x+15=0


Write (√(18)+10)/√(2) in the form: p + q√2 [4 marks]


What is the best way to revise for my Maths GCSE?


Simplify: 2x + 6y + 2y - x


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences