What is Pythagoras' Theorem and how to calculate lengths in Right Angled Triangles- Help with IGCSE GCSE Maths

What is Pythagoras' Theorem

For many IGCSE GCSE maths questions you will have to calculate lengths in polygons. Pythagoras' theorem allows us to calculate lengths in right-angled triangles. As you will notice in the videos, you can only apply Pythagoras' theorem when you are given two sides in a right-angled triangles and are asked to calculate the third side. For each question and situation, make sure to take some time to properly identify what the hypotenuse is. The hypotenuse is that side of a right-angled triangle across the ninety degrees angle. The hypotenuse is also the longest side in every right-angled triangle. For your maths revision have a look at my first video which will introduce the theorem to you and check out on the right side what Mr Pythagoras himself has to tell you!

In the previous maths video you have learnt Pythagoras' Theorem. The sum of the squares of two sides of the triangle equal to the square of the hypotenuse (where the hypotenuse is that sie across the 90 degrees angle). You will notice that this theorem will return in many types of IGCSE GCSE maths questions. Do yourself a tremendous favour and answer as many questions involving Pythagoras' Theorem as possible. Practice makes perfect! You can try for instance to answer the questions on the FREE maths worksheet which I made and uploaded for you at the bottom of this webpage. Do not forget that if you still don't understand Pythagoras' theorem, send me a message and I will help you with your maths!

The following two videos will further increase your understanding of this important GCSE IGCSE maths topic. First of all we will take some more time to accurately identify the hypotenuse in right-angled triangles. Students who successfully and confidently apply Pythagoras' theorem will always take some time to do this properly. The second video will prove the theorem by looking at the area of squares. Although it is not necessary for GCSE IGCSE students to be able to prove Pythagoras' theorem, it is still very useful to understand where the formula comes from and looks the way it does. So prepare yourself well for you IGCSE GCSE maths exam papers and examine the two following maths activities properly!

Example questions Pythagoras' Theorem

When you have studied the previous videos about Pythagoras' theorem, it is time to try some questions yourself. Please do not try these questions too quickly. It is important to have examined the theory first before moving on to this activity. When you start part four on Pythagoras theorem, pause the video and try to answer the maths questions yourself first. Of course you will write all your workings down. When you are finished you can continue looking at the video and compare your answers with mine. Good luck and have fun!!

I hope these maths videos on Pythagoras' theorem were useful for you. If you still have a question or still don't understand Pythagoras' theorem, then please do not hesitate to contact me and I will help you with your maths. You can leave a message on the forum on the homepage of this website. You can also subscribe to my YouTube channel and leave me a message there.

Activity Worksheet and example questions Pythagoras' theorem

When you have studied all of the above videos, try the activity sheet below. You are asked to find/calculate the missing length in each triangle. Make sure for each question to write down as many workings as you can (like I showed you in my instructional videos). Scroll down for the answers which you will find on the second page. You can also download this FREE maths worksheet below the embedded document. Good luck!

ig_pythagoras_theorem_pret_hw.pdf
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pythagoras_theorem.docx
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