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Ex Pyth

This document provides examples of using Pythagoras' theorem, which states that the square of the hypotenuse of a right triangle is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides. It gives the formula a2 + b2 = c2, where c is the hypotenuse. Examples shown include calculating the length of the hypotenuse given the other two sides, calculating one of the other sides given the hypotenuse and one other side, and proving a triangle is right-angled by applying the theorem.

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ali kundi
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41 views3 pages

Ex Pyth

This document provides examples of using Pythagoras' theorem, which states that the square of the hypotenuse of a right triangle is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides. It gives the formula a2 + b2 = c2, where c is the hypotenuse. Examples shown include calculating the length of the hypotenuse given the other two sides, calculating one of the other sides given the hypotenuse and one other side, and proving a triangle is right-angled by applying the theorem.

Uploaded by

ali kundi
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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EXAMPLES OF USING PYTHAGORUS THEOREM

Pythagorus Theorem states that the square on the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of
the squares on the other two sides

c (hypotenuse)

b
Always label the sides ,

c must be the hypotenuse (side opposite the right angle)


a

Always start your calculation by writing

b = c

When to use Pythagorus?


There must be a right angle in the triangle
You need to be given the length of 2 of the sides
You are not being asked to calculate an angle
Typical questions:
Finding the Hypotenuse
In a game two umpires stand on a pitch as shown.
10 m

U m p ire
N o t to s c a le

22 m

U m p ire

How far apart are the two umpires?


...................................... a

b = c ...................................................................

...c =

a b )

c =
(1)

(1)

........................................................... (1)

22 10 ) =

24.16 m

....................................

You would lose a mark if you didnt write the correct unit ( metres in this case)
(if the question doesnt say to what degree of accuracy, use common sense, i.e. if using metres,
2 decimal places gives the cm which is realistically measurable)

Finding one of the other sides


.

The diagram shows a right-angled triangle.

13 cm

5 cm

N o t d ra w n a c c u ra te ly

Calculate the length of the missing side


...................................... a

b = c ...................................................................

...b =

c - a )

b =

(1)

........................................................... (1)

13 - 5 ) =

12 cm

.................................... (1)

Proving a triangle is right-angled


The sketch shows triangle ABC.
AB = 40 cm, AC = 41 cm and CB = 9 cm.
C

41 cm
A

9 cm

N o t d raw n
a c c u ra te ly

40 cm
B

By calculation, show that triangle ABC is a right angled triangle.


.....If triangle ABC has a right angle then a

b = c ........................................

40
.......................

9 =

(1)

41 ........................................

b = 1681 c = 1681 .

(1)

....................Therefore triangle ABC is a right angled triangle................................ (1)


if a

didn,t equal c then triangle ABC doesnt have a right angle

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