Find Pythagorean Triples like the ancient Babylonians. The resource presents the concept of Pythagorean Triples. It provides the system of equations the Babylonians used to calculate Pythagorean Triples more than 4,000 years ago. Pupils then use the system to find some on their own in the 32nd part in a series of 33.

Concepts

pythagorean theorem, pythagorean triples, systems of equations, systems of linear equations, system of equations word problems, right triangles, similar triangles

Show More Show Less

Additional Tags

math

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• Use the given system to generate Pythagorean Triples using the digits one through nine for the values of s and t
• Incorporate the resource as an extension to lessons on the Pythagorean Theorem

Classroom Considerations

• Pythagorean Triples are not part of the eighth grade standards
• The class should know how to solve systems of equations algebraically

Pros

• Problem set has scholars verify the generated triples are in fact Pythagorean Triples
• Lesson shows that sometimes it is easier to go back to the system and solve for the other variable than use substitution to determine the other value

Cons

• None

Common Core

8.EE.C.8.a 8.EE.C.8.b 8.G.B.7 MP6