Theorem of Pythagoras, Area & Perimeter of 2D Shapes
Theorem of Pythagoras, Area & Perimeter of 2D Shapes is one of 9 topics in the Grade 8 Mathematics CAPS syllabus, covered across 3 lessons on Study Vault. Below are real practice questions from this topic with full worked answers.
Sample practice questions
Easy
1. Which side of a right-angled triangle is the hypotenuse?
The longest side, opposite the right angle
The shortest side
Either of the two shorter sides
The side nearest the right angle
Answer: The longest side, opposite the right angle — The hypotenuse is always the longest side, and it sits opposite the right angle.
Easy
2. A right-angled triangle has shorter sides 3cm and 4cm. Find the hypotenuse.
Answer: 5 — c^2=3^2+4^2=9+16=25, so c=sqrt(25)=5cm.
Medium
3. A right-angled triangle has shorter sides 5cm and 7cm. Find the hypotenuse, leaving your answer in surd form.
Answer: sqrt(74) cm — c^2=5^2+7^2=25+49=74, so c=sqrt(74)cm (does not simplify further).
