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.