Question

Which set of integers is a Pythagorean triple?

A.
2, 3, 6

B.
3, 4, 5

C.
4, 5, 9

D.
5, 7, 12

Answer 1

B. 3 4 5

This is the most basic Pythagorean Triple. A Pythagorean Triple is found using the Pythagorean Theorem, which only works with right triangles.

a^2+b^2=c^2

This states that side a squared plus side b squared equals c, also known as the hypotenuse, squared. It is easy to identify which value the hypotenuse is because it is the longest. It does not matter which side is labeled as a or b.

3^2+4^2=5^2

9+16=25

25=25

Out of these choices, only the integers 3 4 5 work to create a Pythagorean Triple.