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G1. Pythagoras' result

In any right-angled triangle, there is a connection between the three sides, which is illustrated in the diagram below.

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Move points A, B or C.

The area of the green square is always equal to the sum of the areas of the red and blue squares.
This connection is commonly known as Pythagoras' result and is usually written as:

a2 + b2=c2

This result can be used to calculate one side of a right-angled triangle when the other two are known.
pythagoras
An example
Find the length of the hypotenuse.
Call this side x, then
x2=52 + 82=89
So
x=sqrt89=9.43 cm
pythagoras
Another example
Find the missing length.
Call this side y, then
72 + y2=112
So
49 + y2=121
So
y2=121-49=72
y=sqrt72=8.49 cm
pythagoras


Check that you understand by finding the missing length here. Press "When" to get started.
pythagoras
a=b=
then c=sqrt


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