Question

In the figure: ∠PSQ = 90^o, PQ = 10 cm, QS = 6 cm and RQ = 9 cm. Calculate the length of PR.

Answer 1

Pythagoras theorem states that in a right-angled triangle, the square on the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares on the remaining two sides.

First, we consider the ΔPQS and applying Pythagoras theorem we get,
PQ²  = PS² + QS² 
10²  = PS² + 6² 
PS² = 100 - 36
PS  = 8
Now, we consider the ΔPRS and applying Pythagoras theorem we get,
PR²  = RS² + PS² 
PR²  = 15² + 8² 
PR = 17
The length of PR 17 cm.