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Pythogurus

The document explains the Pythagorean Theorem, which states that in a right-angled triangle, the square of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides (a² + b² = c²). It introduces Pythagorean triples, sets of three positive integers that satisfy this theorem, and differentiates between primitive and non-primitive triples. Additionally, it discusses methods to generate these triples using Euclid's formula and highlights their importance in various fields such as geometry, trigonometry, and computer graphics.

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Abdullah Azar
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36 views3 pages

Pythogurus

The document explains the Pythagorean Theorem, which states that in a right-angled triangle, the square of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides (a² + b² = c²). It introduces Pythagorean triples, sets of three positive integers that satisfy this theorem, and differentiates between primitive and non-primitive triples. Additionally, it discusses methods to generate these triples using Euclid's formula and highlights their importance in various fields such as geometry, trigonometry, and computer graphics.

Uploaded by

Abdullah Azar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Pearson BTEC HND in Computing – Unit 14 – Maths for Computing (R/618/7421)

Lecture Note - Pythagorean Triples

1. What is Pythagorean Theorem?

Pythagoras Theorem is a fundamental principle in geometry that states:

In a right-angled triangle, the square of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the
squares of the other two sides.

This can be written as: a² + b² = c², where c is the hypotenuse, and a and b are the
triangle's other two sides.

The theorem is named after the ancient Greek mathematician


Pythagoras, who lived around 570–495 BCE. Although the
theorem was known and used by Babylonian and Indian
mathematician centuries earlier, Pythagoras is credited with the
first formal proof. His school of thought, the Pythagoreans,
explored the relationship between numbers and geometry,
making this theorem a cornerstone of mathematical thought for
centuries.

2. What is a Pythagorean Triple?

• A Pythagorean triple is a set of three positive integers (a, b, c) such that they satisfy
the Pythagorean Theorem:

𝑎2 + 𝑏 2 = 𝑐 2

Here:
• 𝑎 and 𝑏 are the legs of a right-angled triangle.
• 𝑐 is the hypotenuse (the side opposite the right angle).

1
Example of a Pythagorean Triple:

32 + 42 = 9 + 16 = 25 = 52

So, (3,4,5) is a Pythagorean triple.

3. Key Characteristics

1. All members are integers.


2. They represent the sides of a right triangle.
3. Many Pythagorean triples are primitive, meaning the three numbers are coprime (no
common divisor except 1).

4. Types of Pythagorean Triples

1. Primitive Pythagorean Triples

These have no common factor other than 1.


Example: (5,12,13)

2. Non-Primitive Pythagorean Triples

These are multiples of a primitive triple.


Example:
If (3,4,5) is primitive,
Then (6,8,10)=2×(3,4,5) is non-primitive.

5. How to Generate Pythagorean Triples

You can use the Euclid’s formula:

For any two positive integers m and n, where m> n:

𝑎 = 𝑚 2 − 𝑛2 , 𝑏 = 2𝑚𝑛, 𝑐 = 𝑚 2 + 𝑛2

This will always produce a Pythagorean triple.

6. Conditions

• 𝑚 > 𝑛

• 𝑚 and 𝑛 are coprime

• 𝑚 − 𝑛 is odd

2
Example:

Let m = 2, n = 1

𝑎 = 22 − 12 = 4 − 1 = 3

𝑏 = 2 .2 .1 = 4

𝑐 = 22 + 12 = 4 + 1 = 5

Triple: (3,4,5)

Try m = 3, n = 2:

𝑎 = 32 − 22 = 9 − 4 = 5

𝑏 = 2 . 3 . 2 = 12

𝑐 = 32 + 22 = 9 + 4 = 13

Triple: (5, 12, 13)

7. Some Common Pythagorean Triples

a b c
3 4 5
5 12 13
7 24 25
8 15 17
9 40 41
11 60 61
12 35 37
20 21 29

8. Why Pythagorean Triples are Important

• Used in geometry and trigonometry.


• Helpful in real-life problems involving right-angled triangles (e.g., construction,
navigation).
• Used in number theory and mathematical proofs.
• Forms the basis of some cryptography and computer graphics techniques.

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