Comp Sci Fortran: How to work out if 3 variables make a right angled triangle

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on determining if three variables can form the sides of a right-angled triangle using the equation a^2 + b^2 = c^2. A syntax error occurred in the initial code due to the use of "=" for comparison instead of "==". Changing "=" to "==" resolved the issue, as "=" is used for assignment while "==" (or .eq.) is used for equality comparison in IF statements. This distinction highlights the evolution of Fortran's syntax, incorporating elements from C-based languages. Understanding these operator differences is crucial for successful coding in Fortran.
Daniel1992
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Homework Statement



I have a program which will sort out three inputted variables into order from lowest to highest. I now must get the program to work out if these 3 values could be the sides of a right angled triangle.


Homework Equations


I am going to use a^2+b^2=c^2 to solve this.

The Attempt at a Solution



Here is the code I used to attempt to solve the problem but I get a syntax error when I try to compile the code.

If (a**2+b**2=c**2) THEN
PRINT*,"These values can make the sides of a right angled triangle"
ELSE
PRINT*,"These values can not make the sides of a right angled triangle"
ENDIF

Any help would be appreciated :)
 
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"=" versus "==" comes to mind. What was the syntax error message?
 
lewando said:
"=" versus "==" comes to mind. What was the syntax error message?

Changing "=" to "==" fixed it. Why is that?

By the way thanks for that :approve:
 
Daniel1992 said:
Changing "=" to "==" fixed it. Why is that?
Because = and == (or .eq.) are different operators.

= is used only in assignment statements.

== (or .eq.) compare two expressions for equality and is often used in IF blocks.

BTW, it seems to me that the Fortran designers took == from the C-based languages. This operator is relatively new in Fortran.
 

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