Specification References: G2.1h G2.1h Use Pythagoras’ theorem. Extend Pythagoras’ theorem to use in 3D. |
Questions may be set in context, for example, a ladder against a wall, but questions will always include a diagram of a right angled triangle with two sides marked and the third side to be found.
Quoting the formula will not gain credit. It must be used with appropriate numbers,
e.g. x2 = 72 + 82, x2 = 122 - 92 or x2 + 92 = 122
In three dimensions candidates should identify a right-angled triangle that contains the required information and then use Pythagoras' theorem (or trigonometry) to solve the problem. The use of the rule is not required as problems will always be solvable using a combination of triangles.