YTHAGOREAN THEOR

“For any right-angled triangle, the square of the

length of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the
squares of the other two sides”

where “c” is the hypotenuse, and “a”

2 2 2
𝑐 = 𝑎 +𝑏 and “b” are the other two sides.
 How to use the
Pythagorean theorem
2 2 2
𝑐 = 𝑎 +𝑏
Step 1. Identify the legs and the hypotenuse of the
right-angled triangle.
Step 2. Substitute values into the formula (remember
‘c' is the hypotenuse).
Step 3. Solve for the unknown.
 EXAMPLE
(Finding the length of the hypotenuse)
Step 1. Identify the legs and the hypotenuse of the
right-angled triangle.
• Hypotenuse:
• Legs:
•

Step 2. Substitute values into the formula Step 3. Solve for the unknown.
(remember ‘c' is the hypotenuse).

As the length must be a positive integer.

Therefore, the hypotenuse (AB) is 5 units.
 EXAMPLE
(Finding the length of the hypotenuse)
Step 1. Identify the legs and the hypotenuse of the
right-angled triangle.
12 metres
• Hypotenuse:
• Legs:
•
5 metres
Step 3. Solve for the unknown.
Step 2. Substitute values into the formula
(remember ‘c' is the hypotenuse).

As the length must be a positive integer.

Therefore, the hypotenuse (XY) is 13 units.
Exercise 1.1
Find the length of the hypotenuse.
Exercise 1.1
Find the length of the hypotenuse.
Exercise 1.1
Find the length of the hypotenuse.
Exercise 1.1
Find the length of the hypotenuse.
Exercise 1.1
Find the length of the hypotenuse.
 EXAMPLE
(Finding the unknown side/leg)
Step 1. Identify the legs and the hypotenuse of the
right-angled triangle.
• Hypotenuse:
• Legs:
•

Step 2. Substitute values into the formula Step 3. Solve for the unknown.
(remember ‘c' is the hypotenuse).

As the length must be a positive integer.

Therefore, the hypotenuse (AB) is 5 units.
 EXAMPLE
(Finding the unknown side/leg)
Step 1. Identify the legs and the hypotenuse of the
right-angled triangle.
12 metres
• Hypotenuse:
• Legs:
•
5 metres
Step 3. Solve for the unknown.
Step 2. Substitute values into the formula
(remember ‘c' is the hypotenuse).

As the length must be a positive integer.

Therefore, the hypotenuse (XY) is 13 units.
Exercise 1.2
Find the unknown side.
Exercise 1.2
Find the unknown side.
Exercise 1.2
Find the unknown side.
Exercise 1.2
Find the unknown side.
Exercise 1.2
Find the unknown side.