Find Pythagoras Triples w/ Given Hypotenuse

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around methods for finding Pythagorean triples given a specific hypotenuse. Participants explore mathematical approaches, including trial and error methods and established equations, while considering the efficiency and completeness of these methods.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes a trial and error method for finding Pythagorean triples with a given hypotenuse, suggesting specific limits for values of X to minimize trials.
  • The proposed method relies on the relationship between the hypotenuse and the prime factors of the hypotenuse, indicating that at least one solution is possible based on these factors.
  • Examples are provided to illustrate the method, including primitive and non-primitive solutions derived from the initial findings.
  • Another participant points out that the examples can be generated using the well-known equation for generating Pythagorean triples, questioning whether all triples can be found this way.
  • There is a repetition of the assertion that the equation gives all triples, but uncertainty remains about the completeness of the initial method proposed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the completeness and efficiency of the proposed method versus established equations for generating Pythagorean triples. No consensus is reached regarding the superiority of one method over the other.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations include the potential dependence on the properties of prime factors and the unresolved question of whether all Pythagorean triples can be generated by the proposed method or the established equation.

Terry Coates
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I wonder if I have found the most efficient way of finding any pythagoras triple with a given hypotenuse that has not been published?
My method uses a trial and error search, but with the limits set to minimize the number of trials as follows:
Try odd values X within the limits of int(C^0.5) +1 to int(2.C)^0.5 inclusive such that
2.C - X^2 = Y^2. C being the required hypotenuse. {This is always possible and in a number of ways depending on the number (at least one) of prime factors of form 4n+1 in C.}
Then the required value of one side of the triangle is given by X.Y
Example C= 65
lower limit = 9 upper limit = 11
X = 11, Y = 3 or X = 9 Y = 7

33^2 + 56^2 = 65^2 or 63^2 + 16^2 = 65^2

These are primitive solutions, but non primitive ones can be found by applying the above method to C = 5 or 17 and then multiplying the three sides by 17 or 5.
 
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I moved this thread from the textbooks section, as it seemed more related to the mathematics and very little to textbooks.
 
Your examples can all be found by the equation ##(u^2-v^2)^2 + (2uv)^2 = (u^2+v^2)^2## which is well known.
I can't remember and haven't looked up whether all triples can be found this way. Nevertheless, your's can be found, e.g. ##65^2=8^2+1^2=7^2+4^2##.
 
fresh_42 said:
Your examples can all be found by the equation ##(u^2-v^2)^2 + (2uv)^2 = (u^2+v^2)^2## which is well known.
I can't remember and haven't looked up whether all triples can be found this way. Nevertheless, your's can be found, e.g. ##65^2=8^2+1^2=7^2+4^2##.
This gives all triples.
 
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