Pythagoras theory finding short and long sides

Use Pythagoras' theorem to find a missing hypotenuse or a missing shorter side in a right-angled triangle.

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Learning objective overview

Master Teaching Guide coverage for this objective.

Resources

  • CorbettMaths on using Pythagoras’ theory to find sidesQuestions PDF · Answers
  • Beta: Various from chapter 21

Terminology

  • Pythagoras' theorem
  • hypotenuse
  • short side
  • long side
  • right angle
  • right-angled triangle
  • square root

Task goals

  • Identify the hypotenuse as the longest side, opposite the right angle, before writing $a^2+b^2=c^2$.
  • Find a missing hypotenuse by adding the squares of the two shorter sides, then taking the square root.
  • Find a missing shorter side by subtracting a known square from the hypotenuse's square, then taking the square root.
  • Leave an answer as a simplified surd such as $\sqrt{19}$ when it is not a perfect square, unless asked to round.

Key skills

  • Pythagoras
  • Find missing side
  • Right triangles

Quick stats

  • 81 total questions
  • 3 difficulty levels
  • Answers included