Pythagorean Theorem Calculator Formula

Understand the math behind the pythagorean theorem calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.

Use the Pythagorean Theorem Calculator

Formulas Used

C

c = sqrt(a^2 + b^2)

Area

area = 0.5 * a * b

Perimeter

perimeter = a + b + sqrt(a^2 + b^2)

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
aSide a3
bSide b4

How It Works

Pythagorean Theorem

Formula

c = √(a² + b²)

For a right triangle, the square of the hypotenuse equals the sum of the squares of the other two sides.

Solving for a Side

  • c = √(a² + b²)
  • a = √(c² - b²)
  • b = √(c² - a²)

    • Worked Example

    A right triangle with sides a=3 and b=4.

    a = 3b = 4
    1. 01c² = 3² + 4² = 9 + 16 = 25
    2. 02c = √25 = 5
    3. 03Area = 0.5 × 3 × 4 = 6
    4. 04Perimeter = 3 + 4 + 5 = 12

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