Pythagorean Theorem Calculator
Find a missing side of a right triangle using a^2 + b^2 = c^2, with substitution steps.
Find a missing right-triangle side
Answer
c = 5
How to use the pythagorean calculator
Use this calculator when a right triangle has two known sides and one missing side.
- Choose which side is missing.
- Enter the two known side lengths.
- Substitute into the Pythagorean theorem.
- Take the square root to find the missing side.
Formula or method
a^2 + b^2 = c^2, where c is the hypotenuse.
Worked examples
Find hypotenuse
Problem: a = 3, b = 4
Solution: c = sqrt(3^2 + 4^2) = sqrt(25) = 5.
Find a leg
Problem: c = 13, a = 5
Solution: b = sqrt(13^2 - 5^2) = sqrt(144) = 12.