Pythagorean triples
This lesson is one in a series of lessons on Pythagoras' theorem. The purpose of this lesson is to have students undertake a mathematical exploration to find Pythagorean triples, that is, sets of positive integers {a, b, c} such that a2 + b2 = c2. Students apply trial and error to identify sets of positive integers {a, b, c} that are Pythagorean triples using a spreadsheet. They apply scaling to develop new triples from a known triple, and use a formula (Euclid’s formula) to generate Pythagorean triples. They then take a systematic approach to explore if there are any emerging patterns. This lesson is an example of an exploration within mathematics itself rather than an application of mathematics to contexts involving practical problems or other learning areas.
- Resource details
- Year level
- Year 8
- Purpose
- Teaching resource
- Strand
- Number Measurement
- Topic
- Pythagoras and trigonometry
- Audience
- Teachers
- Format
- Webpage
- Numeracy progression
- Understanding geometric properties (P7) Understanding units of measurement (P10) Multiplicative strategies (P9)
- Publisher
- Commonwealth of Australia
- Copyright
- © 2024 Commonwealth of Australia. Creative Commons BY 4.0.
- Keywords
- problem solving triangle
- Other terms
- right-angled triangles Maths Hub lesson plan
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