How do I use Pythagoras' Theorem to calculate the hypotenuse of a triangle?

[use of board] So, Pythagoras' theorem states that a^2+b^2=c^2. Therefore, we need to mark the triangle with a, b &c. a and b do not matter, c must be the longest edge, that creates the diagonal. Put the lengths a and b into the theorem. According to BIDMAS, you must square the numbers first, then add them together afterwards. This will give you a value for c^2. Use a calculator (or your brain) to find the square root of this number... This will leave you with c, the hypotenuse.

CT
Answered by Cathy T. Maths tutor

4032 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Bag A contains £7.20 in 20p coins. Bag B contains only 5p coins. The number of coins in bag B is three-quarters of the number of coins in bag A. How much money is in bag B? (in £s)


We have the following fractions: 6/16, 9/24, 12/32 and 15/35. Which fraction is not equivalent to 3/8?


https://revisionmaths.com/sites/mathsrevision.net/files/imce/1MA0_1F_que_20160526.pdf Question 5


The size of each interior angle of a regular polygon is 11 times the size of each exterior angle. Work out how many sides the polygon has.


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