Home

Maths

Trigonometry

Pythagoras' theorem

Pythagoras' theorem

Videos

Summary

Exercises

Select Lesson

Exam Board

Select an option

Explainer Video

Tutor: Bilal

Summary

Pythagoras' theorem

In a nutshell

Pythagoras' theorem is very useful when trying to find the value for the third side of a right-angled triangle. Additionally, at this level, you may have to apply the formula to finding the distance between 2 points on a graph.


Recap

Pythagoras' theorem says that:

 a2+b2=c2a^2+b^2=c^2​


Where aa​ and bb​ are the two shorter sides of a right-angled triangle and cc​ is the hypotenuse.


Note: Pythagoras' theorem only works for a right-angled triangle. If there is no right-angle, then you cannot use Pythagoras' theorem.


Hypotenuse

The hypotenuse of a triangle is the longest side. For a right-angled triangle, the hypotenuse is always the side opposite the right-angle.



Distance between two points on a graph

You may be asked to find the distance between 2 given coordinates. Approaching these types of problems always requires the same method.

PROCEDURE

1.

Do a quick sketch of the graph with the given coordinates and draw a right-angled triangle with the two points.

2.

Find the lengths of the two shorter sides of the triangle.

3.

Use Pythagoras' theorem to find the length of the hypotenuse of the triangle - this is the distance.

​

Example

Find the distance between the points A(−1,3)A (-1,3)​ and B(5,−5)B(5,-5).


First, make a quick sketch:


Maths; Trigonometry; KS4 Year 10; Pythagoras' theorem


The length of the horizontal side is:

5−(−1)=65 - (-1) = 6


The length of the vertical side is:

3−(−5)=83 - (-5) = 8​


The distance (labelled dd) will then satisfy Pythagoras' theorem:

62+82=d26^2 + 8^2 = d^2​​


36+64=d236+64=d^2​​


d2=100d^2 = 100​​


​d=100=10‾\underline{d = \sqrt{100} = 10}​




Read more

Learn with Basics

Length:
Triangles and regular polygons: Types and properties

Unit 1

Triangles and regular polygons: Types and properties

Pythagoras’ theorem

Unit 2

Pythagoras’ theorem

Jump Ahead

Pythagoras' theorem

Unit 3

Pythagoras' theorem

Final Test

Create an account to complete the exercises

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find the distance between 2 points on a graph?

What is the hypotenuse of a triangle?

When can I use Pythagoras' Theorem?

Beta