Question

Which of the following sets of numbers does NOT represent a Pythagorean Triple? 8.15.17 6,8,12 9,12,15 7,24,25

Answer 1

Pythagorean Theorem:

$c^2=a^2+b^2$

To test the triples, we make the largest side "c" and take the other 2 sides to be "a" and "b" and check in the formula. Let's do this:

8, 15, 17

Checking:

$\begin{gathered} 8^2+15^2=^{}289 \\ 17^2=289 \end{gathered}$

They are equal. Thus, triple.

6, 8, 12

Checking:

$\begin{gathered} 6^2+8^2=100 \\ 12^2=144 \end{gathered}$

This is not equal, thus NOT a pythagorean triple.

We don't have to check more, as we already found one answer.