IB Math Studies SL Pythagoras Theorem
Questions and Answers
1. IB Mathematical Studies SL – Pythagoras’ rule
How can I find the length of the hypotenuse in a right angle triangle with known sides 3 cm and 5 cm?
Solution
IB Mathematical Studies SL – Pythagoras’ rule
The rule of Pythagoras states that in a right-angled triangle, with hypotenuse c and the other sides a and b, holds
So, in this case, we have that
2. IB Maths Studies Converse of Pythagoras
IB Mathematical Studies SL – Converse of Pythagoras’ rule
How can I check if a triangle with sides 3 cm, 5cm and 8cm is right angled?
Solution
IB Mathematical Studies SL – Converse of Pythagoras’ rule
The Converse Pythagoras’ rule states that if a triangle has sides of length a,b and c where
then the triangle is right angled.
Therefore, in this case, we have that
Given that in a right-angled triangle the longest side is the hypotenuse
Therefore the triangle is not right-angled.