EXAMPLE EXERCISE

1.Which side is the hypotenuse in the right-angled triangles below ?

The answer is C

Because we know that hypotenuse is the side opposite the right angle in a right angled triangle.  

2.  Calculate the length of the hypotenuse 

c = 8  and  b = 4.  What is a?

We know c² + b² = a²

We want to find a.

so,  let c = 8 and  b = 4.

So c2 = 64    

b²  = 16

 a²  = 64  + 16

      =   80

Then, a=80−−

  a =  √80

a=80−−

3. Examples of the Pythagorean Theorem

When you use the Pythagorean theorem, just remember about hypotenuse  . Look at the following examples to see pictures of the formula.

4. Solving the Hypotenuse

    Use the Pythagorean theorem to determine the length of X

a=80−−80−−√

 Step 1) Identify the legs and the hypotenuse of the right triangle. 

•   The legs have length '6 and '8' . 'X' is the hypotenuse because it is opposite the right angle. 

Step 2) Substitute values into the formula  A² + B² = C²

• 6² + 8² = X² 

Step 3) Solve for the unknown

 

4. Solving the Pythagoras Theorem

^{Use the Pythagorean theorem to calculate the value of X. Round your answer to the nearest hundredth.}

^{Remember our steps for how to use this theorem. This problems is like question 4 above.}

^{Step 1) Identify the legs and the hypotenuse of the right triangle.}

^{The legs have length '10' and 'X'. The hypotenuse is 20.}  

^{Step 2) Substitute values into the formula (remember 'c' is the hypotenuse)}

^{A2 + B2 = C2
102 + X2 = 202}

^{Step 3 ) Solve for the unknown}