Geometry & MeasuresKey Facts

The Formula

Part of Pythagoras' TheoremGCSE Mathematics

This key facts covers The Formula within Pythagoras' Theorem for GCSE Mathematics. Revise Pythagoras' Theorem in Geometry & Measures for GCSE Mathematics with 17 exam-style questions and 3 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 2 of 3 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

Topic position

Section 2 of 3

Practice

17 questions

Recall

3 flashcards

The Formula

a² + b² = c²

Where c is the hypotenuse (the longest side, opposite the right angle)

To find the hypotenuse: c = √(a² + b²)

To find a shorter side: a = √(c² - b²)

Keep building this topic

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

Practice Questions for Pythagoras' Theorem

In a right-angled triangle with legs a and b and hypotenuse c, which formula is Pythagoras' theorem?

  • A. a + b = c
  • B. a² + b² = c²
  • C. a² − b² = c²
  • D. a × b = c²
1 markfoundation

A triangle has sides of length 5 cm, 12 cm, and 13 cm. Explain how you can tell, without measuring any angles, whether this triangle contains a right angle.

2 marksstandard

Quick Recall Flashcards

Pythagoras' Theorem
a² + b² = c² (where c is the hypotenuse)
Pythagoras Theorem
a² + b² = c² where c is hypotenuse

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