Given a right triangle whose side lengths are all integer multiples of 8, how many units are in the smallest possible perimeter of such a triangle?
Does this mean the side lengths and not the hypotenuse or does it mean all three sides?
[Math] Given a right triangle whose side lengths are all integer multiples of 8, how many units are in the smallest possible perimeter of such a triangle
algebra-precalculusgeometrypythagorean triples
Related Solutions
The number of triangles with perimeter $n$ and integer side lengths is given by Alcuin's sequence $T(n)$. The generating function for $T(n)$ is $\dfrac{x^3}{(1-x^2)(1-x^3)(1-x^4)}$. Alcuin's sequence can be expressed as
$$T(n)=\begin{cases}\left[\frac{n^2}{48}\right]&n\text{ even}\\\left[\frac{(n+3)^2}{48}\right]&n\text{ odd}\end{cases}$$
where $[x]$ is the nearest integer function, and thus $T(36)=27$. See this article by Krier and Manvel for more details. See also Andrews, Jordan/Walch/Wisner, these two by Hirschhorn, and Bindner/Erickson.
For a $n$ sided polygon, you need all the angles in order and $n-2$ consecutive side lengths in order to construct the polygon. So, you need the lengths of sides $B,C$ or $E,B$ or $D,E$ to construct your polygon.
The best way to find out the length of the remaining side is by drawing diagonals and applying triangle laws (sine or cosine rule).
Consider the (very badly drawn) pentagon. It is not drawn to scale, but you get the idea. Here are the steps you will take to find out the lengths of $D,E$.
1.Find out length of $X$ using cosine rule in $\Delta ABX$.
2.Knowing $\angle a,X,A,B$, find out $\angle e,\angle b$ using sine rule.
3.$\angle c = \angle\mbox{(between B,C)} -\angle b$. So, $\angle c$ is known.
4.Repeat the whole procedure for $\Delta CXY$. Find out $Y,\angle d, \angle f$.
5.$\angle g, \angle h$ are easily calculated now.
6.$\angle i$ is known. Apply sine rule in $\Delta DEY$ to find out $D,E$-the two unknown sides.
Best Answer
We have $$(8a)^2+(8b)^2=(8c)^2$$ Dividing by 64: $$a^2+b^2=c^2$$ As is well-known, the smallest possible integer values for these variables are $a=3,b=4,c=5$, so the smallest possible perimeter is $$8(a+b+c)=8\cdot12=96$$