<img src="https://d5nxst8fruw4z.cloudfront.net/atrk.gif?account=iA1Pi1a8Dy00ym" style="display:none" height="1" width="1" alt="" />

# 1.2: Identifying Sets of Pythagorean Triples

Difficulty Level: At Grade Created by: CK-12
0%
Progress
Practice Identifying Sets of Pythagorean Triples
Progress
0%

While working as an architect's assistant, you're asked to utilize your knowledge of the Pythagorean Theorem to determine if the lengths of a particular triangular brace support qualify as a Pythagorean Triple. You measure the sides of the brace and find them to be 7 inches, 24 inches, and 25 inches. Can you determine if the lengths of the sides of the triangular brace qualify as a Pythagorean Triple? When you've completed this Concept, you'll be able to answer this question with certainty.

### Guidance

Pythagorean Triples are sets of whole numbers for which the Pythagorean Theorem holds true. The most well-known triple is 3, 4, 5. This means that 3 and 4 are the lengths of the legs and 5 is the hypotenuse. The largest length is always the hypotenuse. If we were to multiply any triple by a constant, this new triple would still represent sides of a right triangle. Therefore, 6, 8, 10 and 15, 20, 25, among countless others, would represent sides of a right triangle.

#### Example A

Determine if the following lengths are Pythagorean Triples.

7, 24, 25

Solution: Plug the given numbers into the Pythagorean Theorem.

72+24249+576625=?252=625=625

Yes, 7, 24, 25 is a Pythagorean Triple and sides of a right triangle.

#### Example B

Determine if the following lengths are Pythagorean Triples.

9, 40, 41

Solution: Plug the given numbers into the Pythagorean Theorem.

92+40281+16001681=?412=1681=1681

Yes, 9, 40, 41 is a Pythagorean Triple and sides of a right triangle.

#### Example C

Determine if the following lengths are Pythagorean Triples.

11, 56, 57

Solution: Plug the given numbers into the Pythagorean Theorem.

112+562121+31363257=?572=32493249

No, 11, 56, 57 do not represent the sides of a right triangle.

### Guided Practice

1. Determine if the following lengths are Pythagorean Triples.

5, 10, 13

2. Determine if the following lengths are Pythagorean Triples.

8, 15, 17

3. Determine if the following lengths are Pythagorean Triples.

11, 60, 61

Solutions:

1. Plug the given numbers into the Pythagorean Theorem.

52+10225+100125=?132=169169

No, 5, 10, 13 is not a Pythagorean Triple and not the sides of a right triangle.

2. Plug the given numbers into the Pythagorean Theorem.

82+15264+225289=?172=289=289

Yes, 8, 15, 17 is a Pythagorean Triple and sides of a right triangle.

3. Plug the given numbers into the Pythagorean Theorem.

112+602121+36003721=?612=3721=3721

Yes, 11, 60, 61 is a Pythagorean Triple and sides of a right triangle.

### Concept Problem Solution

Since you know that the sides of the brace have lengths of 7, 24, and 25 inches, you can substitute these values in the Pythagorean Theorem. If the Pythagorean Theorem is satisfied, then you know with certainty that these are indeed sides of a triangle with a right angle:

72+24249+576625=?252=625=625

The Pythagorean Theorem is satisfied with these values as a lengths of sides of a right triangle. Since each of the sides is a whole number, this is indeed a set of Pythagorean Triples.

### Explore More

1. Determine if the following lengths are Pythagorean Triples: 9, 12, 15.
2. Determine if the following lengths are Pythagorean Triples: 10, 24, 36.
3. Determine if the following lengths are Pythagorean Triples: 4, 6, 8.
4. Determine if the following lengths are Pythagorean Triples: 20, 99, 101.
5. Determine if the following lengths are Pythagorean Triples: 21, 99, 101.
6. Determine if the following lengths are Pythagorean Triples: 65, 72, 97.
7. Determine if the following lengths are Pythagorean Triples: 15, 30, 62.
8. Determine if the following lengths are Pythagorean Triples: 9, 39, 40.
9. Determine if the following lengths are Pythagorean Triples: 48, 55, 73.
10. Determine if the following lengths are Pythagorean Triples: 8, 15, 17.
11. Determine if the following lengths are Pythagorean Triples: 13, 84, 85.
12. Determine if the following lengths are Pythagorean Triples: 15, 16, 24.
13. Explain why it might be useful to know some of the basic Pythagorean Triples.
14. Prove that any multiple of 5, 12, 13 will be a Pythagorean Triple.
15. Prove that any multiple of 3, 4, 5 will be a Pythagorean Triple.

### Vocabulary Language: English

Pythagorean Triple

Pythagorean Triple

A Pythagorean Triple is a set of three whole numbers $a,b$ and $c$ that satisfy the Pythagorean Theorem, $a^2 + b^2 = c^2$.

## Date Created:

Sep 26, 2012

Feb 26, 2015
You can only attach files to Modality which belong to you
If you would like to associate files with this Modality, please make a copy first.