Pythagorean triple

There are three sets of Pythagorean triples that appear over and over again in math test problems. Knowing these three common triples will save you valuable time in working problems of this type. 

This is a right triangle, where the hypotenuse is 26 m and one of the legs is 24 m. This is a multiple of the common Pythagorean triple 5, 12, 13, so the Pythagorean triple is 10, 24, 36 by multiplying each length by two. The unknown side is therefore 10 m. 

Know the common Pythagorean triples and how to find their multiples. 

Pythagorean triple a set of three whole numbers that satisfies the Pythagorean theorem, a2 + b2 = c2, such as 3 4 5 and 5 12 13... 

Multiples of Pythagorean triples are also Pythagorean triples. 

Because set 3 4 5 is a Pythagorean triple, 6 8 10 is also a Pythagorean triple ... 

Pythagorean triples are important because they help you identify right triangles and identify the lengths of the sides of right triangles. 

Because this triangle shows a Pythagorean triple (3 4 5), you know it is a right triangle. Therefore, Za must measure 90°. 

A right triangle whose sides are integers. Pythagorean triple... 

Tony gives another example for Pythagorean triples ... 

Note If you recognize that 6, 8, 10 is a Pythagorean triple, then you know that x must be equal to 8 and you can quickly solve the problem. 

Note If you know your Pythagorean triples, you would have recognized the 6, 8, 10 triple and have been able to solve the problem quickly without the need for any calculations. 

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