Worked example 8: Theorem of Pythagoras

QUESTION
In PQR, P

QR = 90

and QT PR. If PQ = 7 cm and QT = 3

5 cm, determine
PR and QR (correct to the nearest integer).
Q
P
R
T
7 cm
3

5 cm
SOLUTION
Step 1: Use the theorem of Pythagoras to determine PT
In PTQ, PT
2
= PQ
2
QT
2
(Pythagoras)
= 7
2

2
= 49 45
PT =

4
= 2 cm
Step 2: Use proportionality to determine PR and QR
P

QR = 90

(given)
QT PR (given)
PQT ||| QRT ||| PRQ (right-angled s)

QT
TR
=
PT
QT
(QRT ||| PQT)
QT
2
= TR . PT

2
= TR . 2
45
2
= TR
And PR = PT +TR
=
45
2
+ 2
= 25 cm (to nearest integer)
In PQR, QR
2
= PR
2
PQ
2
(Pythagoras)
= 25
2
7
2
QR =

576
= 24 cm
Step 3: Write the nal answer
PR = 25 cm and QR = 24 cm
350 8.6. Pythagorean theorem