Calculate the hypotenuse of a right triangle in JavaScript

We are required to write a JavaScript function that takes in two numbers. The first number represents the length of the base of a right triangle and the second is perpendicular. The function should then compute the length of the hypotenuse based on these values.

For example ?

If base = 8, perpendicular = 6

Then the output should be 10

The Pythagorean Theorem

The hypotenuse is calculated using the Pythagorean theorem: c² = a² + b², where c is the hypotenuse and a, b are the other two sides.

Example

Following is the code ?

const base = 8;
const perpendicular = 6;
const findHypotenuse = (base, perpendicular) => {
   const bSquare = base ** 2;
   const pSquare = perpendicular ** 2;
   const sum = bSquare + pSquare;
   const hypotenuse = Math.sqrt(sum);
   return hypotenuse;
};
console.log(findHypotenuse(base, perpendicular));
console.log(findHypotenuse(34, 56));

Output

Following is the output on console ?

10
65.5133574166368

Using Math.hypot() Method

JavaScript provides a built-in Math.hypot() method that directly calculates the hypotenuse:

const findHypotenuseBuiltIn = (base, perpendicular) => {
   return Math.hypot(base, perpendicular);
};

console.log(findHypotenuseBuiltIn(8, 6));
console.log(findHypotenuseBuiltIn(34, 56));
console.log(findHypotenuseBuiltIn(3, 4));

10
65.5133574166368
5

Comparison

Conclusion

Both methods work effectively for calculating the hypotenuse. Use Math.hypot() for cleaner code, or the manual approach when you need to show the mathematical steps explicitly.