How would you work out the length of an hypotenuse, if the length of the opposite side is 3 cm and the length of the opposite side is 4 cm?

You would use Pythagoras theorem, which states, a^2 + b^2 = c^2. Where a is the opposite side to the angle, b is the side adjacent to the angle and c is the hypotenuse.

So if a = 3 cm, and b = 4 cm, c^2 would equal: 3^2 + 4 ^2 = 9 + 16 = 25. If c^2 = 25, then c = 5. Therefore the length of the hypotenuse is 5cm.

OA
Answered by Othniel A. Maths tutor

4412 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Solve algebraically: 1) 6a + b = 16, 2) 5a - 2b = 19


Factorise x^2 - 8x + 12


Make c the subject of the formula a=3c-12


Find the minimum value of the quadratic equation: y = x^2 + 4x - 12


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