Pythagoras practice

Practice session

What you practise

You calculate either c or one of the legs. The most common slip is stopping at a² + b² and forgetting the square root; the feedback points that out. If you want to see why the theorem works first, try the Pythagoras simulation.

Example

Calculate the hypotenuse c when a = 3 and b = 4.

1. a² + b² = c²
2. 9 + 16 = 25
3. c = √25 = 5

Answer: 5.

What you need to know

Pythagoras in the 2027 central exam syllabus (wiskunde B), for the levels we have a source for. Not a complete exam list.

havo · wiskunde B · domain C (C1)

Meetkundige berekeningen (geometric calculations) · source syllabus wiskunde B havo 2027 (Examenblad)

• Hypotenuse: c = √(a² + b²)
• Leg: a = √(c² − b²)
• Take the square root after adding or subtracting the squares

vwo · wiskunde B · domain E (E1)

Meetkunde met coördinaten (geometry with coordinates) · source syllabus wiskunde B vwo 2027 (Examenblad)

• Pythagoras for lengths and distances
• Choosing the right side (hypotenuse or leg)

We have not checked the vmbo syllabus for the Pythagorean theorem yet; practice is open at every level.

Formula sheet

Print-friendly: use Print in your browser.

• Theorem (c = hypotenuse) $$a^2+b^2=c^2$$
• Hypotenuse $$c=\sqrt{a^2+b^2}$$
• Leg $$a=\sqrt{c^2-b^2}$$
• Example 3-4-5 → c = 5 $$\sqrt{9+16}=5$$

Hypotenuse (schuine zijde)

The side opposite the right angle; c in a² + b² = c².

Leg (rechthoekszijde)

One of the two sides that form the right angle; a or b in the theorem.

Practice with real exam questions on Examenblad.nl (in Dutch). We do not host past exams.

Frequently asked questions

When can I use Pythagoras?

Only in a right triangle, with c the side opposite the right angle.

How does this relate to the calculator?

It uses the same code as the Pythagorean theorem calculator.