Question

Triangle ABC has side lengths 8, 15, and 17. Do the side lengths from a Pythagorean triple? Yes or no?

Answer 1

yes, they form a Pythagorean triple.

Answer 2

Use the Pythagorean Theorem, substituting 8, 15, and 17 for a, b, and c respectively. Then, simplify to determine whether the equation is true.


`8^2+15^2=17^2`


`64+225=289`


`289=289`

As any number is clearly equal to itself, this statement is true, so 8, 15, and 17 is a valid Pythagorean Triple.