GCSE · Maths
Pythagoras' theorem
Also known as: pythagoras
What is pythagoras' theorem?
Pythagoras' theorem states that in a right-angled triangle, the square on the hypotenuse equals the sum of squares on the other two sides: a² + b² = c². It applies only to right-angled triangles. GCSE questions extend it to 3D problems, isosceles triangles split into two right-angled halves, and finding distances between coordinates.
Where it appears in exams
- Find the hypotenuse of a right-angled triangle with legs 3 cm and 4 cm.
- Find the distance between (1, 2) and (4, 6).
- 3D Pythagoras: find the long diagonal of a cuboid 2×3×6.
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