Using Pythagoras Theorem

This is one of a set of resources designed to allow learners to use practical methods to support the delivery of key topics within design and technology, maths, and history.

In this resource students will discover how to create a visual aid to measure objects using ancient Greek mathematics. They will make a string triangle and then use it to check if the object is perpendicular to its base – an application of Pythagoras.

Learners will work in pairs to make their string triangles using hammers, nails, string, and a piece of wood.

The teacher will then demonstrate how to measure the perpendicular nature of objects – if the hypotenuse is straight, then the object is perpendicular.

Finally, students will complete a worksheet in pairs, looking at a variety of objects and judging if they are perpendicular or not.

A free activity sheet is provided.

• 2 nails (finishing type, 60 mm plus long)
• Ruler and pencil, for marking out
• Hammer
• Smooth piece of wood
• String/ribbon 70cm long
• Tape
• Sheet of clear plastic (for extension)

This activity is inspired by the achievements of ancient Greece. The ancient Greeks influenced the modern world in many ways and made important contributions to the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Pythagoras was an ancient Greek mathematician and philosopher. Much of his life is shrouded in mystery but he is thought to have been born on the Greek island of Samos around the year 570 BC. He travelled widely in his youth, visiting Egypt and Persia and eventually settled in Southern Italy where he founded a school inspired by a philosophy based around mathematics. Pythagoras has been credited with many mathematical and scientific discoveries, with the most well-known being the Theorem named after him.

Pythagoras Theorem states that the sum of the square of the two sides of a right-angled triangle is equal to the square of the third side, known as the hypotenuse.

This mathematical formula is foundational to engineers and astronomers who use Pythagoras Theorem to calculate the paths of spacecraft, including rockets and satellites. Architects, also, utilise Pythagoras Theorem to calculate the heights of building and the lengths of walls.

By the end of this activity students will be able to understand the basics of Pythagoras Theorem and its use and they will be able to measure if something is perpendicular to its base.