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Solve Complex problems Using Pythagoras' Theorem

In this worksheet, students will apply Pythagoras' theorem to solve more problems.

'Solve Complex problems Using Pythagoras' Theorem' worksheet

Key stage:  KS 4

Year:  GCSE

GCSE Subjects:   Maths

GCSE Boards:   Eduqas, AQA, OCR, Pearson Edexcel,

Curriculum topic:   Geometry and Measures, Mensuration

Curriculum subtopic:   Mensuration and Calculation Triangle Mensuration

Difficulty level:  

Worksheet Overview

In this activity, you will use Pythagoras' Theorem in more complex ways than just finding one missing side of a right-angled triangle. 

 

Pythagoras recap

 

abc right triangle

 

For a right-angled triangle you should be familiar with the rule

a2 + b2 = c2

 

For example, if lengths a = 10cm and b = 3cm, the hypotenuse, c, would be calculated as follows:

c² = 10² + 3² = 109

c = √109 = 10.44 cm (2 d.p.)

 

 

Complex Pythagoras


Now let's think about problems involving Pythagoras that are not as straightforward. Sometimes, you will have a shape with a right-angled triangle inside it, or you may need to use algebra when using the equation.

 

Example

The diagonal of a square is 10 cm long.  What is the length of one side of the square?

 

Square, diagonal 10cm

 

The first thing to do is "find" the right-angled triangle inside the shape. It is fairly simple to see the hypotenuse is 10cm and length a and b are both unknown.

When dealing with the diagonal of a square, lengths a and b are equal.

If we call our unknown value "x" and substitute into the formula, we have:

x2 + x2 = 102

 

This now becomes an equation:

2x2 = 100

 

You need to solve for x by dividing by 2, and then square rooting: 

2x2 = 100

x2 = 50

x = √50

x = 7.07cm (2 d.p.)

 

 

This is just one example of a complex Pythagoras problem that involves needing to apply algebra to the formula. In more complex problems you will need to draw on other knowledge too.

The key idea is to sketch the situation out to turn a diagram into a right-angled triangle, substitute your known values into Pythagoras' formula, and then see if you can work out the missing lengths.

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