Key learning points

1. The sum of the squares of the two shorter sides equals the square of the longest side.
2. The longest side is always opposite the right angle.
3. a^2+b^2=c^2 can be rearranged to find one of the shorter side lengths.
4. If the right-angled triangle is not immediately available, see if you can construct one.

Keywords

• Hypotenuse - The hypotenuse is the side of a right-angled triangle which is opposite the right angle.

• Pythagoras' theorem - Pythagoras’ theorem states that the sum of the squares of the two shorter sides of a right-angled triangle is equal to the square of the hypotenuse.

Common misconception