Integer-Sided Right Triangle: 2001 Leg Length & Minimum Other Leg Length

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the problem of determining the minimum length of the other leg in an integer-sided right triangle where the shorter leg is fixed at 2001. The solution provided confirms that the minimum length of the other leg can be calculated using the Pythagorean theorem, specifically focusing on integer solutions. Albert's contributions were acknowledged for their accuracy and engagement in the topic.

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lfdahl
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The shorter leg of an integer-sided right triangle has length 2001. How short
can the other leg be?
 
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lfdahl said:
The shorter leg of an integer-sided right triangle has length 2001. How short can the other leg be?
my solution:
$2001=667\times 3=3\times 23\times 29$
so the other leg =$667\times 4=2668$
 
Last edited:
Thankyou Albert for the correct answer - and for your tireless participation!(Clapping)

Suggested solution:

Let $a,b,c$ be the sides of the triangle. Thus $2001 = a < b < c$. Set $c=b+m$. Then $(b+m)^2 = b^2+2001^2$ or $m(2b+m) = 2001^2$. So $m$ is a divisor of $2001^2=3^2\cdot 667^2$ and since $b= c-m$ is to be shortest ($> 2001$), $m = 667$ (the next largest divisor is $3 \cdot 667 = 2001$, which makes $b=0$) should be considered. Then $667(2b+667) = 9\cdot667^2$ gives $b=2668$ and $c=2668 + 667=3335$. One checks, that $2001^2+2668^2 = 3335^2$.
Comment: This triangle is the $(3,4,5)$ triangle since $(2001,2668,3335) = 667(3,4,5)$. But recognizing this, does not prove, that $2668$ is the shortest possible side larger than $2001$.
 

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