a and b are both whole numbers. I have to find all the possible values of a and b. Afterward, I have to explain how I know that I found ALL the possibilities and how I know that they are NO more. I have to either show work or write how I did it. PLEASE, I need help, any help that you can give me is greatly appreciated!
2006-12-03 08:45:02 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Homework Help
right triangles. This is a 3, 4, 5 triangle.
A=3, B=4, C=5.
A=6, B=8, C=10
A=9, B=12, C=15
A=12, B=16, C=20
A=15, B=20, C=25
so if B (one of the legs) is 20, the other two would be 15 and 25.
Ashley. (check it. 20^2+15^2=25^2)
2006-12-03 08:52:07 · answer #1 · answered by muertoalavida 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Right triangles come in proportions other than 3,4,5 - this is just the classic combination used to illustrate the Pythagorean theorem. The limiting factor in this problem is that every number is a whole number. While this limits the valid values for a (the base) and b (the hypotenuse), there is nothing I can see that would prevent you from describing triangles ad infinitum but like the previous answerer said "I'm no math genius."
Here are 4 triangles that meet your criteria:
20, 25, 15
20, 29, 21
20, 52, 48
20, 101, 99
If you are looking for a pattern, you can see that the sum of the base and hypotenuse is a whole number divisible by 10, and is also a factor of 200 (20 * 10). Perhaps there is a mathematical rule that limits the number of whole-number triangles based on this pattern.
I used an Excel spreadsheet to find these 4 triangles.
I did not see a single triangle that meets your criteria throughout the rest of the spreadsheet. This is no "proof," though.
Yes, I did have Excel calculate the values for me. I'm no math-genius, but I'm no fool, either.
:O
btw, I gave your Q a thumbs-up to counter the thumbs-down someone else gave you. I can't imagine why this one would get a thumbs down, as it's an interesting question nobody has really answered yet.
2006-12-03 09:15:45 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
a= 3 b=6
2006-12-03 08:47:22 · answer #3 · answered by Kiara 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm no math genius but it seems to me that it could be infinite. I dont know what would prevent you from putting any darn whole number you want for the b value. Sorry.
2006-12-03 08:58:30 · answer #4 · answered by baldisbeautiful 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
eww u have pee on ur shrit
2006-12-03 08:47:58 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋