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) 

Answered by Rebecca V. Maths tutor

4688 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Solve the following equation for x: x^2 - 4x - 17 = 4


The width of a Rectangle is 4cm shorter than its length. the rectangle has an area of 32cm2. Calculate its perimeter?


How can I solve equations like 2x + 3 = 8x + 21?


How do you expand brackets?


We're here to help

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