15 Pythagoras Theorem Questions And Practice Problems (KS3 & KS4)

Pythagoras Theorem questions involve using the relationship between the sides of a right angled triangle to work out missing side lengths in triangles. Pythagoras Theorem is usually introduced towards the end of KS3 and is used to solve a variety of problems across KS4.

Here, you’ll find a selection of Pythagoras Theorem questions that demonstrate the different types of questions you are likely to encounter in KS3 and KS4, including several GCSE exam-style questions.

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What is Pythagoras Theorem?

Pythagoras Theorem is the geometric theorem that states that the square of the hypotenuse (longest side) of a right angled triangle is equal to the sum of the squares of the two shorter sides of the triangle.

This can be written as a^2+b^2=c^2 for a triangle labelled like this:

15 Pythagoras Theorem image 1


How to answer Pythagoras Theorem questions

  1. Label the sides of the triangle a, b and c.
    Note that the hypotenuse, the longest side of a right angled triangle, is opposite the right angle and will always be labelled \textbf{c}. The other two sides can be labelled a and b either way around.
    15 Pythagoras Theorem image 2

  2. Write down the formula and substitute the values.

    a^2+b^2=c^2

  3. Work out the answer.
    You may be asked to give your answer in an exact form or round to a given degree of accuracy, such as a certain number of decimal places or significant figures.


Pythagoras Theorem in real life

Pythagoras Theorem has many real life uses, including in architecture and construction, navigation and surveying.


Pythagoras Theorem in KS3

Pythagoras Theorem is usually introduced towards the end of KS3. 

The emphasis in KS3 is on students being able to:

  • Correctly label a right angled triangle;
  • Substitute values into the formula in order to work out the hypotenuse or one of the shorter sides.
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Pythagoras Theorem KS3 questions

Non-calculator questions

1. A ship sails 6 \, km East and then 8 \, km North. Find the ship’s distance from its starting point.

 

15 Pythagoras Theorem question 1

14 \, km
GCSE Quiz False

10 \, km
GCSE Quiz True

5.29 \, km
GCSE Quiz False

2 \, km
GCSE Quiz False

15 Pythagoras Theorem answer 1

 

\begin{aligned} a^2+b^2&=c^2\\ 6^2+8^2&=c^2\\ 36+64&=c^2\\ 100&=c^2\\ c&=\sqrt{100}\\ c&=10 \, km \end{aligned}

 

The ship is 10 kilometres from its starting point.

2. A ladder is 5 \, m long. The base of the ladder is 3 \, m from the base of a vertical wall. How far up the wall does the ladder reach?

 

15 Pythagoras Theorem question 2

8 \, m
GCSE Quiz False

5.83 \, m
GCSE Quiz False

4 \, m
GCSE Quiz True

16 \, m
GCSE Quiz False

15 Pythagoras Theorem answer 2

 

\begin{aligned} b^{2}&=c^{2}-a^{2}\\ b^{2}&=5^{2}-3^{2}\\ b^{2}&=25-9\\ b^{2}&=16\\ b&=\sqrt{16}\\ b&=4 \, m \end{aligned}

 

The ladder reaches 4 meters up the wall.

Calculator questions

For these questions, round your answers to 3 significant figures.

3. Alex and Sam start from the same point. Alex walks 400 metres west. Sam walks x metres south, until they are 600 \, m apart from each other. How far does Sam walk?

 

15 Pythagoras Theorem question 3

200 \, m
GCSE Quiz False

447 \, m
GCSE Quiz True

721 \, m
GCSE Quiz False

1000 \, m
GCSE Quiz False

15 Pythagoras Theorem answer 3

 

\begin{aligned} a^{2}&=c^{2}-b^{2}\\ x^{2}&=600^{2}-400^{2}\\ x^{2}&=360000-160000\\ x^{2}&=200000\\ x&=\sqrt{200000}\\ x&=447.2135955\\ x&=447 \, m ~\text{(3sf)} \end{aligned}

4. A television’s size is the measurement from the upper left hand corner of the television to the bottom right hand corner. Find the size of this television.

 

15 Pythagoras Theorem question 4

75 inches

GCSE Quiz False

150 inches

GCSE Quiz False

39.7 inches

GCSE Quiz False

55.1 inches

GCSE Quiz True

15 Pythagoras Theorem answer 4

 

\begin{aligned} a^2+b^2&=c^2\\ 48^2+27^2&=c^2\\ 2304+729&=c^2\\ 3033&=c^2\\ c&=\sqrt{3033}\\ c&=55.07267925\\ c&=55.1 \, \mathrm{inches} ~ \text{(3sf)} \end{aligned}


Pythagoras Theorem in KS4

In KS4, students use Pythagoras Theorem to solve a variety of problems. Examples include:

  • real life word problems
  • coordinate problems
  • multi-step problems
  • 3D problems

Pythagoras Theorem may feature in questions alongside other topics, such as trigonometry, circle theorems or algebra.

The process for solving any Pythagoras Theorem problem always begins by identifying the relevant right angled triangle and labelling the sides a, b and c. If there is not a diagram in the question, it can be helpful to draw one.

Foundation GCSE Questions

Where necessary, round your answers to 3 significant figures.

5. The pole of a sailing boat is supported by a rope from the top of the pole to an anchor point on the deck. The pole is 4 \, m long and the rope is 4.5 \, m long. Calculate the distance from the base of the pole to the anchor point of the rope on the deck.

 

15 Pythagoras Theorem question 5

2.06 \, m
GCSE Quiz True

6.02 \, m
GCSE Quiz False

8.5 \, m
GCSE Quiz False

0.5 \, m
GCSE Quiz False

15 Pythagoras Theorem answer 5

 

\begin{aligned} b^{2}&=c^{2}-a^{2}\\ b^{2}&=4.5^{2}-4^{2}\\ b^{2}&=20.25-16\\ b^{2}&=4.25\\ b&=\sqrt{4.25}\\ b&=2.061552813\\ b&=2.06 \, m ~\text{(3sf)} \end{aligned}

6. Work out the length of the diagonal of a square with 8 \, cm sides.

11.3 \, cm
GCSE Quiz True

16 \, cm
GCSE Quiz False

8 \, cm
GCSE Quiz False

12 \, cm
GCSE Quiz False

15 Pythagoras Theorem answer 6

 

\begin{aligned} a^2+b^2&=c^2\\ 8^2+8^2&=c^2\\ 64+64&=c^2\\ 128&=c^2\\ c&=\sqrt{128}\\ c&=11.3137085\\ c&=11.3 \, cm ~ \text{(3sf)} \end{aligned}

 

The diagonal of the square has a length of 11.3 centimetres.

7. ABC is an isosceles triangle.

 

15 Pythagoras Theorem question 7

Work out the height of the triangle.

8 \, cm
GCSE Quiz False

12 \, cm
GCSE Quiz True

8.31 \, cm
GCSE Quiz False

16.4 \, cm
GCSE Quiz False

15 Pythagoras Theorem answer 7

 

\begin{aligned} a^{2}&=c^{2}-b^{2}\\ a^{2}&=13^{2}-5^{2}\\ a^{2}&=169-25\\ a^{2}&=144\\ a&=\sqrt{144}\\ a&=12 \, cm \end{aligned}

8. ABCD is an isosceles trapezium.

 

15 Pythagoras Theorem question 8

 

Work out the length of AD.

4.5 \, cm
GCSE Quiz False

12.5 \, cm
GCSE Quiz False

17 \, cm
GCSE Quiz True

23 \, cm
GCSE Quiz False

15 Pythagoras Theorem answer 8

 

\begin{aligned} a^{2}&=c^{2}-b^{2}\\ x^{2}&=7.5^{2}-6^{2}\\ x^{2}&=56.25-36\\ x^{2}&=20.25\\ x&=\sqrt{20.25}\\ x&=4.5 \, cm \end{aligned}

 

AD=4.5+8+4.5=17 \, cm

9. Here is a cm square grid. Calculate the distance between the points A and B.

 

15 Pythagoras Theorem question 9

9 \, cm
GCSE Quiz False

5.20 \, cm
GCSE Quiz False

3 \, cm
GCSE Quiz False

6.71 \, cm
GCSE Quiz True

15 Pythagoras Theorem answer 9

 

\begin{aligned} a^2+b^2&=c^2\\ 6^2+3^2&=c^2\\ 36+9&=c^2\\ 45&=c^2\\ c&=\sqrt{45}\\ c&=6.708203932\\ c&=6.7 \, cm ~ \text{(3sf)} \end{aligned}

10. Which is a right angled triangle?

 

15 Pythagoras Theorem question 10

A
GCSE Quiz False

B
GCSE Quiz True

C
GCSE Quiz False

D
GCSE Quiz False
\begin{aligned} \text{A: } 9^{2}+13^{2}&=250\\ 18^{2}&=324 \\ \end{aligned}

Not a right angled triangle because Pythagoras Theorem doesn’t work.

 

\begin{aligned} \text{B: } 8^{2}+15^{2}&=289\\ 17^{2}&=289 \\ \end{aligned}

Right angled triangle because Pythagoras Theorem works.

 

\begin{aligned} \text{C: } 9^{2}+19^{2}&=442\\ 23^{2}&=529 \\ \end{aligned}

Not a right angled triangle because Pythagoras Theorem doesn’t work.

 

\begin{aligned} \text{D: } 8^{2}+10^{2}&=164\\ 14^{2}&=196 \\ \end{aligned}

Not a right angled triangle because Pythagoras Theorem doesn’t work.

11. PQRS is made from two right angled triangles.

 

15 Pythagoras Theorem question 11

 

Work out the length of QR.

18.0 \, m
GCSE Quiz True

6 \, m
GCSE Quiz False

15.9 \, m
GCSE Quiz False

21.3 \, m
GCSE Quiz False

15 Pythagoras Theorem answer 11

 

Triangle \text{PQS:}

\begin{aligned} \\ b^{2}&=c^{2}-a^{2}\\ b^{2}&=10^{2}-8^{2}\\ b^{2}&=100-64\\ b^{2}&=36\\ b&=\sqrt{36}\\ b&=6 \, m \end{aligned}

 

Triangle \text{QRS}

\begin{aligned} \\ a^2+b^2&=c^2\\ 17^2+6^2&=c^2\\ 289+36&=c^2\\ 325&=c^2\\ c&=\sqrt{325}\\ c&=18.02775638\\ c&=18.0 \, m ~ \text{(3sf)} \end{aligned}

12. Here is a pattern made from right angled triangles. Work out the length x.

 

15 Pythagoras Theorem question 12

8.60 \, cm
GCSE Quiz False

16.6 \, cm
GCSE Quiz False

11.1 \, cm
GCSE Quiz True

8.66 \, cm
GCSE Quiz False

15 Pythagoras Theorem answer 12

 

Triangle \text{ABC:}

\begin{aligned} \\ a^2+b^2&=c^2\\ 5^2+7^2&=c^2\\ 74&=c^2\\ c&=\sqrt{74}\\ c&=8.602325267 \end{aligned}

 

Triangle \text{ACD:}

\begin{aligned} \\ a^2+b^2&=c^2\\ 5^2+8.60232567^2&=c^2\\ 99&=c^2\\ c&=\sqrt{99}\\ c&=9.949874371 \end{aligned}

 

Triangle \text{ADE:}

\begin{aligned} \\ a^2+b^2&=c^2\\ 5^2+9.949874371^2&=c^2\\ 124&=c^2\\ c&=\sqrt{124}\\ c&=11.13552873\\ c&=11.1 \, cm ~ \text{(3sf)} \end{aligned}

Higher GCSE Questions

13. Here is a pyramid.

 

15 Pythagoras Theorem question 13

 

Work out the height of the pyramid.

4.80 \, cm
GCSE Quiz False

16.3 \, cm
GCSE Quiz False

13.2 \, cm
GCSE Quiz False

10.7 \, cm
GCSE Quiz True

15 Pythagoras Theorem answer 13

 

\begin{aligned} a^{2}&=c^{2}-b^{2}\\ a^{2}&=12^{2}-5.5^{2}\\ a^{2}&=113.75\\ a&=\sqrt{113.75}\\ a&=10.6653645 \mathrm{cm} \\ a&=10.7 \, cm ~ \text{(3sf)} \end{aligned}

14. Here is a cuboid.

 

15 Pythagoras Theorem question 14

 

Work out the length AG.

Give your answer in its exact form.

\sqrt{58} \, cm
GCSE Quiz False

\sqrt{62} \, cm
GCSE Quiz True

\sqrt{53} \, cm
GCSE Quiz False

\sqrt{42} \, cm
GCSE Quiz False

15 Pythagoras Theorem answer 14 image 1

 

Length of \text{BG:}

\begin{aligned} \\ a^2+b^2&=c^2\\ 7^2+3^2&=c^2\\ 58&=c^2\\ c&=\sqrt{58}\\ c&=7.615773106 \end{aligned}

 

15 Pythagoras Theorem answer 14 image 2

 

Length of \text{AG:}

\begin{aligned} \\ a^2+b^2&=c^2\\ 2^2+7.615773106^2&=c^2\\ 62&=c^2\\ c&=\sqrt{62} \, cm \end{aligned}

15. Here is a right angled triangle.

Form an equation and use it to work out the value of x.

 

15 Pythagoras Theorem question 15

4 \, cm
GCSE Quiz False

10 \, cm
GCSE Quiz False

17 \, cm
GCSE Quiz False

12 \, cm
GCSE Quiz True
\begin{aligned} x^{2}+(x-7)^{2}&=(x+1)^{2}\\ x^{2}+x^{2}-7x-7x+49&=x^{2}+x+x+1\\ 2x^{2}-14x+49&=x^{2}+2x+1\\ x^{2}-16x-48&=0\\ (x-4)(x-12)&=0 \end{aligned}

 

x=4 \, or \, x=12

 

x cannot be 4 as you cannot have a negative side length so x=12

How do you do Pythagoras questions?

Pythagoras Theorem is used to work out a missing length in a right angled triangle. If you have a right angled triangle and you know two of the lengths, label the sides of the triangle a, b and c ( c must be the hypotenuse – the longest side).

Pythagoras Theorem is a^2+b^2=c^2.

Substitute the values you know into Pythagoras Theorem and solve to find the missing side.

For a more detailed explanation, including a video and worked examples, see: Pythagoras Theorem.

How do you find the hypotenuse of a question?

The hypotenuse of a right angled triangle is the longest side. If you know the lengths of the other two sides, you can find the length of the hypotenuse by squaring the two shorter sides, adding those values together and then taking the square root.

By doing this you are finding c in a^2+b^2=c^2

How do you find the missing side of a triangle?

If your triangle is a right angled triangle and you know two of the sides, you can use Pythagoras Theorem to find the length of the third side. To do this, label the sides a, b and c (with c being the hypotenuse – the longest side). Substitute the values you know into a^2+b^2=c^2 and solve to find the missing side.

Looking for more Pythagoras Theorem questions and resources?

Third Space Learning’s free GCSE maths resource library contains detailed lessons with step-by-step instructions on how to solve Pythagoras Theorem problems, as well as maths worksheets with practice questions and more GCSE exam questions, based on past Edexcel, OCR and AQA exam questions.

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