Pythagorean theorem

In a right-angled triangle, the side opposite the right angle is called the hypotenuse. The two sides that form the right angle are called catheti or legs.

Pythagorean Theorem: in a right triangle, the addition of the squares of the lengths of the catheti equals the square of the length of the hypotenuse.

  the length of the hypotenuse is 5

Example 2: If a = 13 and c = 5, find out the other cathetus:

the length of the other cathetus is 12

 

Example 3: Which is the length of the diagonal of a rectangle with base 24 cm and height 10cm?

 

       the length of the diagonal is 26 cm

 

 

 

Exercises:

1) If one cathetus and the hypotenuse of a right triangle measure 8 and 10 cm, respectively, calculate the length of the other cathetus.

 

2) If a see a balloon at 500 m and it is 300 m over the ground. How long do I have to walk to be exactly under it?

 

 

 

 

Solutions: 1) 6 m ; 2) 400m