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Geometry and Properties of Circles

Quick questions on Pythagoras theorem explained: O-Level E-Maths

5short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.

What are pythagoras inside three-dimensional shapes?
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Pythagoras extends to solids by applying it twice. To find the space diagonal of a cuboid with edges aa, bb and cc, first find the diagonal of the base, a2+b2\sqrt{a^2 + b^2}, then use that as one leg of a second right triangle whose other leg is the height cc. This gives the space diagonal a2+b2+c2\sqrt{a^2 + b^2 + c^2}. So a box measuring 3×4×123 \times 4 \times 12 has a space diagonal of 9+16+144=169=13\sqrt{9 + 16 + 144} = \sqrt{169} = 13.
What is pythagorean triples speed up working?
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A Pythagorean triple is a set of three whole numbers satisfying a2+b2=c2a^2 + b^2 = c^2, such as (3,4,5)(3, 4, 5), (5,12,13)(5, 12, 13) and (8,15,17)(8, 15, 17). Spotting one, or a multiple of one like (6,8,10)(6, 8, 10), lets you write down the missing side without a calculator. If a right triangle has legs 99 and 1212, recognising these as 3×(3,4)3 \times (3, 4) gives the hypotenuse 3×5=153 \times 5 = 15 instantly. Memorising the common triples and their multiples is a quick-win that saves time and provides a check on a calculated answer.
What is q1?
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A right-angled triangle has legs 9 cm9\ \text{cm} and 40 cm40\ \text{cm}. Find the hypotenuse. [2 marks]
What is q2?
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The hypotenuse is 25 cm25\ \text{cm} and one leg is 7 cm7\ \text{cm}. Find the other leg. [2 marks]
What is q3?
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Is a triangle with sides 6 cm6\ \text{cm}, 8 cm8\ \text{cm} and 11 cm11\ \text{cm} right-angled? [2 marks]

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