Home
Back
Pythagorean Theorem:
| From: | To: |
The Pythagorean theorem states that in a right-angled triangle, the square of the hypotenuse (the side opposite the right angle) is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides. This fundamental principle in geometry is attributed to the ancient Greek mathematician Pythagoras.
The calculator uses the Pythagorean theorem formula:
Where:
Explanation: The calculator takes the two known sides of a right triangle and calculates the length of the hypotenuse using the square root of the sum of their squares.
Details: Calculating the hypotenuse is essential in various fields including construction, navigation, physics, and engineering. It's used to determine distances, design structures, solve real-world problems involving right triangles, and is fundamental to trigonometry.
Tips: Enter the lengths of both sides (a and b) in meters. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero. The calculator will automatically compute the hypotenuse length.
Q1: Can this calculator be used for any triangle?
A: No, this calculator specifically works for right-angled triangles only, where one angle is exactly 90 degrees.
Q2: What units should I use for the measurements?
A: The calculator uses meters by default, but you can use any unit of measurement as long as you're consistent. The result will be in the same units as your inputs.
Q3: What if I know the hypotenuse and one side?
A: This calculator is designed to find the hypotenuse from two sides. To find a missing side when you know the hypotenuse, you would need to rearrange the formula: \( a = \sqrt{c^2 - b^2} \).
Q4: How accurate are the results?
A: The results are mathematically precise based on the inputs you provide. The calculator rounds to 4 decimal places for readability.
Q5: Can I use this for 3D applications?
A: The Pythagorean theorem can be extended to 3D space (\( d = \sqrt{x^2 + y^2 + z^2} \)), but this calculator is specifically for 2D right triangles.