A Right Triangle Has Legs That Are Consecutive Integers

A right triangle has legs that are consecutive integers. The hypotenuse is two greater than the shortest let. Use a quadratic equation to find the dimensions of the right triangle.

Solution


when you say hypotenuse, it means you have a right triangle

h^2 = L^2 + S^2 and h=2+S and L=S+1

(2+S)^2 = (S+1)^2 + S^2

It’s 5-4-3 triangle

S^2 + 4S + 4 = S^2 + 2S + 1 + S^2

S^2 -2S – 3 = 0

(S-3)(S+1) 0

S=3

L=4

h = 5

ignore S=-1, unless you enjoy an alternative universe of negative space and time

S=-1

L=0

h=1, which is maybe a degenerate “triangle” maybe like the vector from the origin to the point (0,-1) mathematically it does seem to be a 2nd solution. It’s sort of like the Twilight Zone, a place beyond sight & sound, or “Flatland” as Prof. Sheldon Cooper might call it, only this is not 2 dimensional land, it’s worse: 1 dimensional land. Maybe inside a Black hole that devours most everything. A triangle with one negative side, one zero side and a hypotenuse of real positive length. Not something you see every day.