Question

The sets of numbers 6, 8, 10 and 5, 12, 13 are Pythagorean triples. Use what you know about the Pythagorean Theorem and explain or show why they are Pythagorean triples. Be sure to show your work for each set of triples!

Answer 1

We know that the Pythagorean Theorem is a² + b² = c².  First lets start with 6, 8, and 10. There is a simple way to know that these are Pythagorean triples. They make up what is called a 3-4-5 triangle. 3 x 2 is 6, 4 x 2 is 8, and 5 x 2 is 10. Next 5, 12, and 13 are Pythagorean triplets because 5² + 12² = 13². Because both of these form right triangles, we know that they are Pythagorean triplets. 
Hope this helps :-)