Most people have heard of the Pythagorean Theorem, which states
that c2=a2+b2, where c is the hypotenuse of a right triangle, and a and b are the
other two sides (or legs) of the right triangle.
Quick! Could you guess three numbers that satsify c2=a2+b2? You might have the famous
3-4-5 right triangle memorized.
Here is a quick computer way of generating numbers that satisfy Pythagorean's Theorem. Or stated
another way, numbers that would work just fine as side lengths for a right triangle.
Here's the way it works. Start by thinking of any two numbers. Then do three calculations with them:
Compute their product, then double it.
Square each, then subtract the two squares.
Square each, then sum them.
The three results you get are sides that would form a correct right triangle! These three steps
are called"Diophantus's Rules."
Now you try. Try to translate the recipe for x, y, and z as stated above, and fill your results in for the x=, y= and z= lines.
Type your code here:
11
1
print("What is the larger of your numbers?")
2
a=input()
3
print("What is the smaller of your numbers?")
4
b=input()
5
6
x=???
7
y=???
8
z=???
9
10
print("A triangle with side lengths of")
11
print(x,",",y,"and",z,"would form a right triangle")
See your results here:
For the x=, y= and z=, program in the formulas according to list items 1, 2, and 3
in the text above (i.e. let x be twice the produce of a and b). Run the code and generate your very own Pythagorean Triples! When you get your
results, can you prove they satisfy the Pythagorean Theorem?
Share your code
Show a friend, family member, or teacher what you've done!