Do Pythagorean Triples Generate All Possible Solutions?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving that the set of Pythagorean triples, denoted as P = {(a,b,c) : a, b, c ∈ Z and a² + b² = c²}, is not entirely generated by the set T = {(p,q,r) : p = x² - y², q = 2xy, and r = x² + y² where x,y ∈ Z}. Participants emphasize that T is a proper subset of P, meaning there exists at least one member of P that is not included in T. To demonstrate this, users suggest using algebraic methods to verify the generation of Pythagorean triples and to identify specific triples that T fails to produce.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Pythagorean triples and their properties.
  • Familiarity with algebraic manipulation and proof techniques.
  • Knowledge of integer solutions and the concept of subsets in set theory.
  • Basic experience with mathematical notation and equations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research methods for generating Pythagorean triples using integer parameters.
  • Learn about the properties of proper subsets in set theory.
  • Explore examples of Pythagorean triples that cannot be generated by the formulas in set T.
  • Study algebraic proofs and techniques for demonstrating set relationships.
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Mathematicians, educators, and students interested in number theory, particularly those exploring the properties of Pythagorean triples and set theory concepts.

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Homework Statement


prove the following proposition:
Let P be the set of pythagorean triples; that is,
P= {(a,b,c) : a, b, c [itex]\in[/itex] Z and a[itex]^{2}[/itex]+b[itex]^{2}[/itex]=c[itex]^{2}[/itex]}
and let T be the set
T= {(p,q,r) : p=x[itex]^{2}[/itex]-y[itex]^{2}[/itex], q= 2xy, and r = x[itex]^{2}[/itex]+y[itex]^{2}[/itex] where x,y[itex]\in[/itex] Z}

show also that T ≠ P … that is that T is a “proper subset” of P … that is that there’s at least 1 member of P that is NOT in T.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I understand what it's asking but i have no idea how to begin proving it. I thought at first to try and let x[itex]\in[/itex] P and go from there but then I didn't know how to work with that idea at all. Can someone point me the right direction on figuring this out?
 
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mikky05v said:

Homework Statement


prove the following proposition:
Let P be the set of pythagorean triples; that is,
P= {(a,b,c) : a, b, c [itex]\in[/itex] Z and a[itex]^{2}[/itex]+b[itex]^{2}[/itex]=c[itex]^{2}[/itex]}
and let T be the set
T= {(p,q,r) : p=x[itex]^{2}[/itex]-y[itex]^{2}[/itex], q= 2xy, and r = x[itex]^{2}[/itex]+y[itex]^{2}[/itex] where x,y[itex]\in[/itex] Z}

show also that T ≠ P … that is that T is a “proper subset” of P … that is that there’s at least 1 member of P that is NOT in T.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I understand what it's asking but i have no idea how to begin proving it. I thought at first to try and let x[itex]\in[/itex] P and go from there but then I didn't know how to work with that idea at all. Can someone point me the right direction on figuring this out?

Use algebra to show your formula generates Pythagorean triples, i.e. show p^2+q^2=r^2. That's easy enough. To show it doesn't generate all of them takes a little more guesswork. You have to find a triple is doesn't generate. Here's a hint. Multiply some of the known triples by a constant.
 
mikky05v said:

Homework Statement


prove the following proposition:
Let P be the set of pythagorean triples; that is,
P= {(a,b,c) : a, b, c [itex]\in[/itex] Z and a[itex]^{2}[/itex]+b[itex]^{2}[/itex]=c[itex]^{2}[/itex]}
and let T be the set
T= {(p,q,r) : p=x[itex]^{2}[/itex]-y[itex]^{2}[/itex], q= 2xy, and r = x[itex]^{2}[/itex]+y[itex]^{2}[/itex] where x,y[itex]\in[/itex] Z}

show also that T ≠ P … that is that T is a “proper subset” of P … that is that there’s at least 1 member of P that is NOT in T.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I understand what it's asking but i have no idea how to begin proving it. I thought at first to try and let x[itex]\in[/itex] P and go from there but then I didn't know how to work with that idea at all. Can someone point me the right direction on figuring this out?

Use algebra to show your formula generates Pythagorean triples, i.e. show p^2+q^2=r^2. That should be easy enough. To show it doesn't generate all of them takes a little more guesswork. You have to find a triple is doesn't generate. Here's a hint. Multiply some of the known triples by a constant.
 

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