PAss Functional Skills

Pythagoras theorem

Pythagoras theorem for GCSE English Literature AQA Higher: what it means, how to set the working out, and the questions it is asked in.
  • GCSE
  • AQA
  • English Literature
  • Higher
  • Spec A16 · A7
  • 5 min read
  • 6 revision boxes

Introduction

2 boxes
4 min read

What is pythagoras theorem?

Listen to this box

Transcript

A short spoken summary of pythagoras theorem and where it is used.

A spoken walk-through of pythagoras theorem before you read the notes.
Sketch the shape even when the question does not ask for one — it makes the next step obvious.
Worth knowing: 49=7\sqrt{49} = 7.
3 rows

The pythagoras theorem reference table

Practise the routine version until it is automatic, then move to the multi-step questions.
The layout below is the one the mark scheme expects.

Diagram showing pythagoras theorem laid out step by step

The same idea drawn out, so the method is visible.
Worth knowing: a2+b2=c2a^2 + b^2 = c^2.
Term
Meaning
Example
Row 1 column 1
Row 1 column 2
49=7\sqrt{49} = 7
Row 2 column 1
Row 2 column 2
34×25\frac{3}{4} \times \frac{2}{5}
Row 3 column 1
Row 3 column 2
≈160\approx 160

Learning

2 boxes
3 steps

How to work with pythagoras theorem

The examiner marks the working, so a correct answer with no method still drops marks.
Worth knowing: 49=7\sqrt{49} = 7.
  1. Read the question and write down what is being asked for.
  2. Set out the working for pythagoras theorem in the order the method gives.
  3. Substitute the values and simplify.
  4. Check the answer against an estimate before writing it down.
Start from the definition and substitute the numbers the question gives you.
Simplify one line at a time: a2+b2=c2a^2 + b^2 = c^2.
Answer: 49=7\sqrt{49} = 7
2 rules

Key facts: Pythagoras theorem

This idea appears again in the higher-mark questions, so it is worth over-learning.

  • Rule 1

    How pythagoras theorem behaves in the 1st of the cases the specification names.
    a2+b2=c2a^2 + b^2 = c^2

  • Rule 2

    How pythagoras theorem behaves in the 2nd of the cases the specification names.
    x2+5x+6=0x^2 + 5x + 6 = 0

  • Rule 3

    How pythagoras theorem behaves in the 3rd of the cases the specification names.
    ≈160\approx 160

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Examples

2 boxes
2 marks · worked

Worked example: pythagoras theorem

This idea appears again in the higher-mark questions, so it is worth over-learning.
The layout below is the one the mark scheme expects.

Diagram showing pythagoras theorem laid out step by step

The same idea drawn out, so the method is visible.
4 marks · worked

Practice question 6: ≈160\approx 160

The examiner marks the working, so a correct answer with no method still drops marks.
The layout below is the one the mark scheme expects.

Diagram showing pythagoras theorem laid out step by step

The same idea drawn out, so the method is visible.
Worth knowing: ≈160\approx 160.

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Common questions

How many marks is pythagoras theorem usually worth?
Between one and four, depending on how many steps the question asks for.
Is this on the GCSE English Literature AQA Higher paper?
Yes — it sits in the Reading and comprehension strand.