Key learning points

1. Within context, it can be difficult to initially identify whether Pythagoras' theorem can be used.
2. Pythagoras' theorem may be used if a right-angled triangle can be drawn, even if drawn within a different shape.
3. Pythagoras' theorem can be used to check for properties of other shapes involving right-angles.

Keywords

• Perpendicular height - The perpendicular height is the perpendicular distance from the base to the opposite vertex.

• Pythagoras’ theorem - Pythagoras’ theorem shows that the sum of the squares of the two shorter sides of a right-angled triangle is equal to the square of its longest side (the hypotenuse).

• Hypotenuse - A hypotenuse is the side of the right-angle triangle which is opposite the right-angle.

Common misconception