Pythagoras Theorem

111
Introduction
Pythagoras, a Greek philospher of sixth century B.C.
discovered a very important and useful property of right A

angled triangles, named Pythagoras property. In a right

angled triangle, the sides have special names. The side se
tenu
opposite to the right angle is called hypotenuse and the po Leg
Hy
other two sides are called the legs of the right angled
triangle. In the adjoining triangle ABC, ∠C = 90º. So, AB
is its hypotenuse and BC and CA are the two legs. You are B Leg C
already familiar with the Pythagoras theorem from your
earlier classes. In this chapter, we shall prove this theorem
by using similarity of triangles. We shall also prove its
converse and will learn their applications.

11.1 Pythagoras theorem

In a right triangle, the square of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the other
two sides.
C
Given. ABC is a right angled triangle at A i.e.
∠A = 90°, so that BC is its hypotenuse.
To prove. BC2 = CA2 + AB2 i.e. a2 = b2 + c2,
a
where BC = a, CA = b and AB = c. b

Construction. Extend the side AB to a point D such that

BD = CA = b. At D, draw DE ⊥ AD and cut off DE = AB = c.
Join CE.
c B
A
Proof. In ΔABC and ΔDEB,
CA = BD (by construction) C
AB = DE (by construction)
∠A = ∠D (each = 90°)
∴ ΔABC ≅ ΔDEB (SAS rule of congruency) b E
a
⇒ BC = BE (c.p.c.t)
a
⇒ BE = a (BC = a) c

and ∠ACB = ∠DBE …(i) (c.p.c.t)

A c B b D
 In ΔABC, ∠A + ∠ABC + ∠ACB = 180°
⇒ 90° + ∠ABC + ∠ACB = 180°
⇒ ∠ABC + ∠ACB = 90°
⇒ ∠ABC + ∠DEB = 90° …(ii)   (using (i))
Since sum of angles at a point on one side of a straight line is 180°,
∴ ∠ABC + ∠CBE + ∠DBE = 180°
⇒ (∠ABC + ∠DBE) + ∠CBE = 180°
⇒ 90° + ∠CBE = 180° (using (ii))
⇒ ∠CBE = 90°
⇒ CBE is a right angled triangle at B.
Now, ∠A + ∠D = 90° + 90° = 180°
⇒ AC || DE (sum of co-int. ∠s = 180°)
⇒ CADE is a trapezium.
From figure,
area of trapezium CADE = area of ΔCAB + area of ΔBDE + area of ΔCBE
1 1 1 1
⇒ (CA + ED) × AD = CA × AB + BD × DE + CB × EB
2 2 2 2
1
( area of a trapezium = (sum of || sides × height and
2
1
area of a triangle = base × height)
2
⇒ (b + c) (c + b) = bc + bc + a × a (AD = AB + BD = c + b)
⇒ (b + c)2 = 2bc + a2
⇒ b2 + c2 + 2bc = 2bc + a2
⇒ b2 + c2 = a2
⇒ CA2 + AB2 = BC2
Hence, BC2 = CA2 + AB2
The above result is known as Pythagoras Theorem.
The above theorem was earlier given by an ancient mathematician Baudhayan (about 800
B.C.) in the following form:
The diagonal of a rectangle produces by itself the same area as produced by its both sides
(i.e. length and breadth).
Therefore, the above theorem is sometimes also referred to as the Baudhayan Theorem.
The converse of the Pythagoras theorem is also true. We record it as:

❐ Converse of Pythagoras Theorem

I n a triangle, if square of one side is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides,
then the angle opposite to the first side is a right angle.
Given. In a triangle ABC, BC2 = AB2 + AC2. C R

To prove. ∠A = 90°.
Construction. Construct a ΔPQR such that
∠P = 90°, PQ = AB and PR = AC.
Proof. In ΔPQR, ∠P = 90°.
By Pythagoras theorem, we have
QR2 = PQ2 + PR2
A B P Q

2108 Understanding ICSE mathematics – Ix

 ⇒ QR2 = AB2 + AC2 ( PQ = AB and PR = AC)
But BC2 = AB2 + AC2 (given)
∴ QR2 = BC2 ⇒ QR = BC.
In ΔABC and ΔPQR,
AB = PQ (by construction)
AC = PR (by construction)
and BC = QR (proved above)
∴ ΔABC ≅ ΔPQR (SSS rule of congruency)
⇒ ∠A = ∠P (c.p.c.t.)
⇒ ∠A = 90° ( ∠P = 90°, by construction)

Illustrative Examples
Example 1. Lengths of sides of triangles are given below. Determine which of them are right
triangles. In case of a right triangle, write the length of its hypotenuse:
(i) 7 cm, 24 cm, 25 cm (ii) 50 cm, 80 cm, 100 cm
Solution. Choose the greatest length. Check whether the square of greatest length is equal
to the sum of squares of other two lengths.
(i) Here, greatest length is 25 cm and other lengths are 7 cm, 24 cm.
Note that 252 = 625 and 72 + 242 = 49 + 576 = 625.
Thus, 252 = 72 + 242.
Therefore, the triangle with given lengths of sides is a right triangle and the length of
its hypotenuse is 25 cm.
(ii) Here, greatest length is 100 cm and other lengths are 50 cm, 80 cm.
Note that 502 + 802 = 2500 + 6400 = 8900 ≠ 1002.
Therefore, the triangle with given lengths of sides is not a right triangle.

Example 2. ABC is an isosceles triangle with AC = BC. If AB2 = 2AC2, prove that ABC is a right
triangle.
Solution. Given AB2 = 2AC2 ⇒ AB2 = AC2 + AC2
⇒ AB2 = AC2 + BC2 ( AC = BC, given)
⇒ ∠C = 90° (converse of Pythagoras theorem)
Hence, ΔABC is a right triangle.

Example 3. An aeroplane leaves an airport and flies due north at a speed of 1000 km per hour. At
the same time, another aeroplane leaves the same airport and flies due west at a speed of 1200 km per
hour. How far apart will be the two planes after 1 1 hours?
2 N
Solution. Two aeroplanes leave an airport O at the same
time. Let A and B be the positions of the aeroplanes after A
1 3
1 hours i.e. hours.
2 2
3
OA = distance travelled in hours by the aeroplane due north
2
3
=  1000 ×  km = 1500 km, W B O
E
 2
S

Pythagoras Theorem 2109

 3
OB = distance travelled in hours by the aeroplane due west
2
3
=  1200 ×  km = 1800 km
 2
In ΔAOB, ∠O = 90°. By Pythagoras theorem, we get
AB2 = OA2 + OB2 = 15002 + 18002 = (300)2 (52 + 62)
⇒ AB = 300 61 km
Hence, the distance between two aeroplanes = 300 61 km.

Example 4. A 5 m long ladder is placed leaning towards a vertical wall such that it reaches the wall
at a point 4 m high. If the foot of the ladder is moved 1∙6 m towards the wall, then find the distance by
which the top of the ladder would slide upwards on the wall.
Solution. The point C is the base of wall.
Originally, let the top of ladder reach the wall at the point A.
In ΔABC, ∠C = 90°. By Pythagoras theorem, we get A

∴ BC2 + AC2 = AB2

⇒ BC2 + 42 = 52
5m
4m
⇒ BC2 = 25 – 16 = 9
⇒ BC = 3 m.
Now, the foot of ladder is moved 1∙6 m towards the wall.
Let D be new position of foot of ladder and E be the new B C
position of its top.
E
DC = BC – BD = 3 m – 1∙6 m = 1∙4 m
In ΔECD, ∠C = 90°. By Pythagoras theorem, we get
A
∴ EC2 + DC2 = DE2
⇒ EC2 + (1∙4)2 = 52 5m
⇒ EC2 = 25 – 1∙96 = 23∙04
⇒ EC = 4∙8 m.
∴ AE = EC – AC = 4∙8 m – 4 m = 0∙8 m
B
Hence, the distance by which the top of ladder would slide upwards D
= 0∙8 m C

Example 5. In Δ ABC, ∠B = 90° and D is mid-point of BC. Prove that AC2 = AD2 + 3CD2.
Solution. As D is mid-point of BC,
BD = CD and BC = 2CD.
In ΔABD, ∠ABD = 90°,
∴ AD2 = AB2 + BD2 (Pythagoras theorem)
A
⇒ AB2 = AD2 – BD2 …(i)
In ΔABC, ∠B = 90°,
∴ AC2 = AB2 + BC2
⇒ AC2 = (AD2 – BD2) + BC2 (using (i))
⇒ AC2 = AD2 – CD2 + (2CD)2 ( BD = CD, BC = 2CD)
⇒ AC2 = AD2 – CD2 + 4CD2
⇒ AC2 = AD2 + 3CD2.
B D C

2110 Understanding ICSE mathematics – Ix

 Example 6. D and E are points on the sides CA and CB respectively of a triangle ABC right angled
at C. Prove that AE2 + BD2 = AB2 + DE2.
Solution. In ∆ABC, ∠C = 90°
A
∴ AB2 = AC2 + BC2 …(i)
In ∆ECD, ∠ECD = 90°
∴ DE2 = CD2 + EC2 …(ii) D
In ∆AEC, ∠ACE = 90°
∴ AE2 = AC2 + EC2 …(iii)
In ∆BCD, ∠BCD = 90°
∴ BD2 = BC2 + CD2 …(iv)
B E C
Adding (iii) and (iv), we get
AE2 + BD2 = (AC2 + BC2) + (CD2 + EC2)
= AB2 + DE2 (using (i) and (ii))

Example 7. ABC is a right angled triangle at B. If D and E are mid-points of sides BC and AB
respectively, prove that AD2 + CE2 = 5 DE2.
A
Solution. As D is mid-point of BC, BC = 2BD.
Also, as E is mid-point of AB, AB = 2BE.
In ∆ ABD, ∠ B = 90°, by Pythagoras theorem,
E
AD2 = AB2 + BD2
= (2BE)2 + BD2 ( AB = 2BE)
2
⇒ AD = 4BE + BD 2 2 …(i)
B D C
In ∆ EBC, ∠ B = 90°, by Pythagoras theorem,
CE2 = BE2 + BC2
= BE2 + (2BD)2 ( BC = 2BD)
⇒ 2 2
CE = BE + 4BD 2 …(ii)
Adding (i) and (ii), we get
  AD2 + CE2 = 5(BE2 + BD2) …(iii)
In ∆ EBD, ∠ B = 90°, by Pythagoras theorem,
  DE2 = BE2 + BD2 …(iv)
From (iii) and (iv), we get
  AD2 + CE2 = 5DE2, as required.

Example 8. ABC is an equilateral triangle of side 2a. Find each of its altitude.
Solution. Given ABC is an equilateral triangle of side 2a.
Draw AD ⊥ BC
A
In ΔABD and ΔACD,
AB = AC (given)
∠ADB = ∠ADC (each = 90°, AD ⊥ BC)
AD = AD (common)
∴ ΔABD ≅ ΔACD (RHS rule of congruency)
⇒ BD = DC (c.p.c.t.)
1 1
⇒ BD = BC = . 2a = a. B D C
2 2
In ΔABD, ∠ADB = 90°,
∴ AB2 = AD2 + BD2 (Pythagoras theorem)

Pythagoras Theorem 2111

 ⇒ (2a)2 = AD2 + a2 ⇒ AD2 = 3a2 ⇒ AD = 3 a.
In an equilateral triangle, all altitudes are equal.
Hence, the length of each altitude = 3 a.

Example 9. ABC is a triangle in which AB = AC and D is a point on BC. Prove that

AB2 – AD2 = BD × DC. A
Solution. Draw AN ⊥ BC.
In ∆ABN and ∆ANC,
AB = AC (given)
∠ ANB = 90° = ∠ ANC
and AN is common,
B D N C
∴ ∆ ABN ≅ ∆ ANC (RHS rule of congruency)
⇒ BN = NC.
 ABN, ∠  N = 90°,
In ∆
∴ AB2 = AN2 + BN2 …(i)
 ADN, ∠  N = 90°,
In ∆
∴ AD2 = AN2 + DN2 …(ii)
Subtracting (ii) from (i), we get
AB2 – AD2 = BN2 – DN2
= (BN + DN) (BN – DN) ( BN = NC)
= (NC + DN) × BD = DC × BD
Hence, AB2 – AD2 = BD × DC.

Example 10. Prove that the sum of the squares on the sides of a rhombus is equal to the sum of
squares on its diagonals.
D C
Solution. Let ABCD be a rhombus whose diagonals AC
and BD intersect at the point O.
As the diagonals of a rhombus bisect each other at right O
1 1
angles, ∠AOB = 90° and OA = AC, OB = BD.
2 2
In ΔOAB, ∠AOB = 90°,
A B
∴ AB2 = OA2 + OB2 (Pythagoras theorem)
2 2
1 1
⇒ AB2 =  aC +  bd ⇒ 4AB2 = AC2 + BD2
2  2 
But AB = BC = CD = DA ( in a rhombus, sides are equal)
∴ AB2 + BC2 + CD2 + DA2 = AC2 + BD2.

Example 11. ABC is a right triangle, right angled at C. If p is the length of perpendicular from C
to AB and a, b, c have usual meanings, then prove that
1 1 1
(i) pc = ab = + (ii)
. A
p2 a2 b 2
1 1
Solution. (i) Area of ∆ABC = AB × CD = BC × AC c
2 2
⇒ c × p = ab. D b
(ii) In ∆ABC, ∠C = 90°, so c2 = a2 + b2
p
2
 ab  2 2
⇒   =a +b (using part (i))
 p
B a C
1 a2 + b 2 1 1
⇒ = 2 2 = 2+ 2 .
p2 a b b a

2112 Understanding ICSE mathematics – Ix

 Example 12. In the adjoining figure, AD ⊥ BC. If D divides BC A

in the ratio 1 : 3, prove that =2AC2 + 2AB2 BC2.

Solution. Given D divides BC in the ratio 1 : 3,
bd 1
∴ = ⇒ DC = 3BD
dC 3
∴ BC = BD + DC = BD + 3BD = 4BD
B D C
⇒ BD = 1 BC.
4
In ∆ ADC, ∠ D = 90°,
∴ AC2 = AD2 + DC2
= AD2 + (3BD)2 = AD2 + 9BD2 …(i)
In ∆ ABD, ∠ D = 90°,
∴ AB2 = AD2 + BD2 ⇒ AD2 = AB2 – BD2 …(ii)
From (i) and (ii), we get
AC2 = (AB2 – BD2) + 9BD2
2
1 
= AB2 + 8 BD2 = AB2 + 8 .  bC 
4
= AB2 + 1 BC 2
2
⇒ 2 AC2 = 2 AB2 + BC 2.
Example 13. In an equilateral triangle ABC, a point D is taken on base BC such that
BD : DC = 2 : 1. Prove that 9 AD2 = 7 AB2.
Solution. As ∆ABC is equilateral, BC = AB. A
2 2
Given BD : DC = 2 : 1 ⇒ BD = BC = AB.
3 3
Draw AE ⊥ BC, then E is mid-point of BC,
1 1
so BE = BC = AB.
2 2
2 1 1
From fig., ED = BD – BE = AB – AB = AB.
3 2 6
In ∆ABE, ∠AEB = 90°,
B E D C
∴ AB2 = AE2 + BE2 …(i)
In ∆AED, ∠AED = 90°,
∴ AD2 = AE2 + ED2 …(ii)
Subtracting (ii) from (i), we get
2 2
1 1 1 1 2
AB2 – AD2 = BE2 – ED2 =  ab  −  ab  =  −  AB2 = AB2
2  6   4 36  9
2 7
⇒ AD2 = AB2 – AB2 = AB2
9 9
A
⇒ 9AD2 = 7 AB2.
Example 14. In the adjoining figure, AE = DC = 13 cm,
BE = 5 cm, ∠ABC = 90° and AD = EC = x cm. Calculate the length D
of AB and the value of x.
Solution. In ∆ ABE, ∠ B = 90°,
∴ AE2 = AB2 + BE2
B E C
⇒ AB2 = AE2 – BE2
⇒ AB2 = (13)2 – (5)2 ( AE = 13 cm, BE = 5 cm)

Pythagoras Theorem 2113

 ⇒ AB2 = 169 – 25 = 144
⇒ AB = 12 cm.
From figure, BD = AB – AD = (12 – x) cm ( AB = 12 cm, AD = x cm)
and BC = BE + EC = (5 + x) cm.
In ∆ BCD, ∠ B = 90°,
∴ CD2 = BD2 + BC2
⇒ (13)2 = (12 – x)2 + (5 + x)2
⇒ 169 = 144 + x2 – 24x + 25 + x2 + 10x
⇒ 169 = 169 + 2x2 – 14x
2
⇒ 2x – 14x = 0 ⇒ 2x (x – 7) = 0
⇒ x = 7 cm. ( x ≠ 0)
Example 15. In Δ ABC, AD ⊥ BC such that AD2 = BD × DC. Using Pythagoras theorem and its
converse, prove that Δ ABC is right angled at A.
A
Solution. In ΔABD, ∠ADB = 90°,
∴ AB2 = AD2 + BD2 …(i) (Pythagoras theorem)
In ΔACD, ∠ADC = 90°,
∴ AC2 = AD2 + DC2 …(ii) (Pythagoras theorem)
On adding (i) and (ii), we get B D C
AB2 + AC2 = 2AD2 + BD2 + CD2
= 2 BD × DC + DB2 + DC2 ( AD2 = BD × DC, given)
= (BD + DC)2 = BC2
∴ By converse of Pythagoras theorem, ∆ABC is right angled at A.
A
Example 16. In the adjoining figure, AB = BC and AD ⊥ CB
(produced). Prove that
AC2 = 2BC × CD.
Solution. In ∆ADC, ∠ADC = 90°, so AC2 = AD2 + DC2 …(i)
In ∆ADB, ∠ADB = 90°, so AB2 = AD2 + DB2 …(ii) D C
B
Subtracting (ii) from (i), we get
AC2 – AB2 = DC2 – DB2
⇒ AC2 – BC2 = (DB + BC)2 – DB2 ( AB = BC)
⇒ AC2 = BC2 + BC2 + 2DB × BC = 2BC2 + 2DB × BC
= 2BC(BC + DB) = 2BC × DC.
A
Example 17. In the adjoining figure, ∠B of Δ ABC is an acute
angle and AD ⊥ BC. Prove that AC2 = AB2 + BC2 – 2BC × BD.
Solution. In ∆ABD, ∠ADB = 90°,
∴ AB2 = AD2 + BD2 …(i)
In ∆ADC, ∠ADC = 90°, B D C
∴ AC2 = AD2 + DC2
⇒ AC2 = AD2 + (BC – BD)2 = AD2 + BC2 + BD2 – 2BC × BD
= (AD2 + BD2) + BC2 – 2BC × BD
= AB2 + BC2 – 2BC × BD (using (i))

2114 Understanding ICSE mathematics – Ix

 Example 18. In the adjoining figure, ∠B of Δ ABC is obtuse and A

AD ⊥ BC (produced). Prove that AC2 = AB2 + BC2 + 2BC × BD.

Solution. In ΔADB, ∠ADB = 90°,
∴ AB2 = AD2 + DB2 …(i)
In ΔADC, ∠ADC = 90°,
∴ AC2 = AD2 + DC2
⇒ AC2 = AD2 + (DB + BC)2 = AD2 + DB2 + BC2 + 2BC × BD D B C
⇒ AC2 = AB2 + BC2 + 2BC × BD (using (i))

Example 19. In the adjoining figure, AD is median of ∆ ABC A

and AM ⊥ BC. Prove that
1
(i) AC2 = AD2 + BC × DM + BC2
4
1
(ii) AB2 = AD2 – BC × DM + BC2
4

1
(iii) AB2 + AC2 = 2AD2 + BC2
2 B M D C

(iv) AB2
+ AC2= 2(AD2 + BD2).
Solution. Note that in the given figure, AC > AB.
As AD is median, BD = DC.
1
⇒ BD = DC = BC.
2
In ∆AMD, ∠AMD = 90°,
∴ AD2 = AM2 + MD2 ⇒ AM2 = AD2 – MD2 …(1)
(i) In ∆AMC, ∠AMC = 90°,
∴ AC2 = AM2 + MC2
= (AD2 – MD2) + (MD + DC)2 (using (1))
2
1 1
= AD2 – MD2 +  md + bC   
 dC = bC 
 2   2 
1
⇒ AC2 = AD2 + MD × BC + BC2 …(2)
4
(ii) In ∆ABM, ∠AMB = 90°,
∴ AB2 = AM2 + BM2
= (AD2 – MD2) + (BD – MD)2 (using (1))
2
1 1
= AD2 – MD2 +  bC − md   
 bd = bC 
2   2 
1
⇒ AB2 = AD2 – MD × BC + BC2 …(3)
4
(iii) On adding (2) and (3), we get
1
AB2 + AC2 = 2AD2 + BC2
2
(iv) From part (iii), we have
1  1 
AB2 + AC2 = 2AD2 + (2BD)2  bd = bC 
2  2 
1
⇒ AB2 + AC2 = 2AD2 + . 4 BD2
2
⇒ AB2 + AC2 = 2(AD2 + BD2).

Pythagoras Theorem 2115

 Example 20. If O is any point in the interior of a rectangle ABCD. Prove that
OA2 + OC2 = OB2 + OD2.
Hence, find the length of OD, if the lengths of OA, OB and OC are 3 cm, 4 cm and 5 cm
respectively.
Solution. Through O, draw EF || AB.
As ABCD is a rectangle, AD ⊥ AB.
Since EF || AB and AD ⊥ AB, therefore, EF ⊥ AD. D C

Similarly, EF ⊥ BC.
In ∆OEA, ∠OEA = 90°, E F
O
2
OA = AE + OE 2 2 …(i)
In ∆OFC, ∠OFC = 90°,
A B
OC2 = FC2 + OF2 …(ii)
Adding (i) and (ii), we get
OA2 + OC2 = OE2 + OF2 + AE2 + FC2 …(iii)
2 2
In ∆OBF, ∠OFB = 90°, OB = OF + BF 2 …(iv)
2
In ∆EOD, ∠DEO = 90°, OD = OE + ED 2 2 …(v)
Adding (iv) and (v), we get
OB2 + OD2 = OF2 + OE2 + BF2 + ED2 …(vi)
But AE = BF and FC = ED.
∴ From (iii) and (vi), we get
OA2 + OC2 = OB2 + OD2.
Further, OA = 3 cm, OB = 4 cm and OC = 5 cm
∴ 32 + 52 = 42 + OD2 ⇒ OD2 = 18 ⇒ OD = 3 2 cm.

Example 21. Prove that the sum of the squares of the diagonals of a parallelogram is equal to the
sum of squares of its sides.
Solution. Let ABCD be a parallelogram, then AC N D C
and BD are its diagonals.
So, we are required to prove that
AC2 + BD2 = AB2 + BC2 + CD2 + AD2.
Draw DM ⊥ AB and AN ⊥ DC (produced), AMDN is a
A M B
rectangle
⇒ AM = ND …(i)
In ∆AND, ∠AND = 90°, so AD2 = AN2 + ND2 …(ii)
In ∆ANC, ∠ANC = 90°,
∴ AC2 = AN2 + NC2 = AN2 + (ND + CD)2
= AN2 + ND2 + CD2 + 2ND × CD
⇒ AC2 = AD2 + CD2 + 2 ND × CD …(iii) (using (ii))
2
In ∆AMD, ∠AMD = 90°, so AD = AM + MD 2 2 …(iv)
In ∆DMB, ∠DMB = 90°,
∴ BD2 = MD2 + MB2 = MD2 + (AB – AM)2
= MD2 + AM2 + AB2 – 2AM × AB
= AD2 + AB2 – 2AM × AB (using (iv))
2 2
= AD + AB – 2ND × CD …(v) ( AM = ND and AB = CD)
On adding (iii) and (v), we get
AC2 + BD2 = 2AD2 + CD2 + AB2 = AD2 + BC2 + AB2 + CD2 ( AD = BC)

2116 Understanding ICSE mathematics – Ix

 Exercise 11
1. Lengths of sides of triangles are given below. Determine which of them are right triangles.
In case of a right triangle, write the length of its hypotenuse:
(i) 3 cm, 8 cm, 6 cm (ii) 13 cm, 12 cm, 5 cm
(iii) 1∙4 cm, 4∙8 cm, 5 cm
2. Foot of a 10 m long ladder leaning against a vertical well is 6 m away from the base of
the wall. Find the height of the point on the wall where the top of the ladder reaches.
3. A guy attached a wire 24 m long to a vertical pole of height 18 m and has a stake attached
to the other end. How far from the base of the pole should the stake be driven so that the
wire will be taught?
4. Two poles of heights 6 m and 11 m stand on a plane ground. If the distance between their
feet is 12 m, find the distance between their tops.
5. In a right-angled triangle, if hypotenuse is 20 cm and the ratio of the other two sides is
4 : 3, find the sides.
6. If the sides of a triangle are in the ratio 3 : 4 : 5, prove that it is right-angled triangle.
7. For going to a city B from city A, there is route via city C such that AC ⊥ CB,
AC = 2x km and CB = 2(x + 7) km. It is proposed to construct a 26 km highway which
directly connects the two cities A and B. Find how much distance will be saved in
reaching city B from city A after the construction of highway.
8. The hypotenuse of a right triangle is 6 m more than twice the shortest side. If the third
side is 2 m less than the hypotenuse, find the sides of the triangle.
9. ABC is an isosceles triangle right angled at C. Prove that AB2 = 2AC2.
10. In a triangle ABC, AD is perpendicular to BC. Prove that AB2 + CD2 = AC2 + BD2.
11. In ΔPQR, PD ⊥ QR, such that D lies on QR. If PQ = a, PR = b, QD = c and DR = d, prove
that (a + b) (a – b) = (c + d) (c – d).
12. ABC is an isosceles triangle with AB = AC = 12 cm and BC = 8 cm. Find the altitude on
BC and hence calculate its area.
13. Find the area and the perimeter of a square whose diagonal is 10 cm long.
14. (a) In figure (i) given below, ABCD is a quadrilateral in which AD = 13 cm,
DC = 12 cm, BC = 3 cm, ∠ ABD = ∠ BCD = 90°. Calculate the length of AB.
(b) In figure (ii) given below, ABCD is a quadrilateral in which AB = AD,
∠ A = 90° = ∠ C, BC = 8 cm and CD = 6 cm. Find AB and calculate the area of
∆ ABD.
6 cm C
A D
8 cm

D B

A
C B
(i) (ii)

15. (a) In figure (i) given below, AB = 12 cm, AC = 13 cm, CE = 10 cm and DE = 6 cm.
Calculate the length of BD.
(b) In figure (ii) given below, ∠ PSR = 90°, PQ = 10 cm, QS = 6 cm and RQ = 9 cm.
Calculate the length of PR.

Pythagoras Theorem 2117