The Lesson
The length of the longest side of a right triangle (called the hypotenuse) can be found from Pythagoras' theorem, if the lengths of the other two sides are known. The hypotenuse is found using the formula:
In the formula, c is the length of the hypotenuse and a and b are the lengths of the other sides. The image below shows what we mean:
How to Find the Hypotenuse Using Pythagoras' Theorem
Question
What is the hypotenuse of the right triangle below?
Step-by-Step:
1
Start with the formula:
c = √(a2 + b2)
Don't forget: √ means square root and a2 = a × a (a squared), b2 = b × b.
2
Find the lengths of the sides from the right triangle.
In our example, the two shorter side lengths are a = 5 and b = 12.
3
Substitute a = 5 and b = 12 into the formula.
c = √(52 + 122) = √((5 × 5) + (12 × 12))
c = √(25 + 144) = √169
c = 13
Answer:
The length of the hypotenuse is 13.A Real Example of How to Find the Hypotenuse Using Pythagoras' Theorem
In the example above, we have used the formula c = √(a2 + b2) to find the length of the hypotenuse, c. This is just a rearrangement of the more memorable formula, a2 + b2 = c2 (see Note). If you find this simpler formula easier to remember, use it! Substitute in the lengths you know (replace the letters a and b with numbers) and then rearrange to find the hypotenuse, c.Interactive Widget
Here is an interactive widget to help you learn about Pythagoras' theorem.Rearranging Pythagoras' Theorem
Pythagoras' theorem states:
Taking square roots of both sides:
This gives the formula for finding the hypotenuse when the other sides are known:
Top Tip
Leaving the Answer as a Square Root
The square of the hypotenuse ,c2, will not always be a square number. When you square root c2, to find c, the answer will not be a whole number. It is sometimes best to leave the answer as a square root (also called a surd). For example, find the hypotenuse for the right triangle below, where a = 1 and b = 2:
a2 + b2 = c2
12 + 22 = c2
1 + 4 = c2
5 = c2
Worksheet
This test is printable and sendable
