This video deals with Pythagoras line segment problems, and is aimed at around grade 5 GCSE maths. You’ll need to find a way to create a right angled triangle on the grid and, as always, please do stop the video, try the questions, and compare your solution.
This video deals with slightly different Pythagoras type questions, in the form of calculating a pythagoras line segment. Thse are usually given as coordinates on a graph, and you need to create a right angle triangle.
1. P is the point with coordinates (5, -1).
Q is the point with coordinates (-3, -6)
Calculate the exact length of PQ.
2. X is the point with coordinates (-3, -6).
Y is the point with coordinates (7, -1)
Calculate the exact length of XY.
3. L is the point with coordinates (-9, 10).
M is the point with coordinates (1, -16)
Calculate the length of LM.
Give your answer correct to 3 decimal places.
Here’s a link to the question: Quick Test – Pythagoras line segments
and here’s the answer paper: Quick Test Pythagoras line segments ANSWERS apologies for the fairly basic pdf – it might be better to watch the video 🙂
These types of questions appear in all the main GCSE exam boards – Edexcel, AQA, OCR and Educas.
Top Tips!
- Always try to make a sketch of the question
- Don’t be concerned if it’s a positive or negative gradient – you’re only trying to calculate the length
- There’s a difference between exact length – usually given in surd form – and a decimal
Here’s a post that also might be of interest:
How to work out 3D Pythagoras; including a cheat sheet!
Please do leave a comment below if you are not sure. Alternately you can view my YouTube channel and leave a comment there – I’ll always try to respond as quickly as possible.
Watch these videos on YouTube:
Pythagoras line segments – GCSE maths grade 5