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Method: 3D Pythagoras

Part of Pythagoras in 3D — GCSE Mathematics

This deep dive covers Method: 3D Pythagoras within Pythagoras in 3D for GCSE Mathematics. Revise Pythagoras in 3D in Geometry & Measures for GCSE Mathematics with 12 exam-style questions and 2 flashcards. This topic appears less often, but it can still be a useful differentiator on mixed-topic papers. It is section 3 of 4 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

Topic position

Section 3 of 4

Practice

12 questions

Recall

2 flashcards

Method: 3D Pythagoras

1 Identify the right-angled triangles in the 3D shape
2 First Pythagoras: find the base diagonal
3 Second Pythagoras: use base diagonal + height
4 Or use the direct formula: d² = x² + y² + z²

Keep building this topic

Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Pythagoras in 3D. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

Key FactsWorked Example: Cuboid DiagonalFrom Flat to 3D

Practice Questions for Pythagoras in 3D

A cuboid has length l, width w, and height h. Which formula gives the length of the space diagonal d?

  • A. d = l + w + h
  • B. d² = l² + w²
  • C. d² = l² + w² + h²
  • D. d = √(l + w + h)
1 markfoundation

Describe the two-step method for finding the space diagonal of a cuboid with dimensions l, w, and h.

2 marksstandard

Quick Recall Flashcards

3D Pythagoras
d² = x² + y² + z² for space diagonal. Or use 2D Pythagoras twice: first on base, then with height.
3D Pythagoras
Use Pythagoras twice: once for base diagonal, once for 3D diagonal

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Worked Example: Cuboid Diagonal