Infinite Isosceles Triangles w/ Integer Sides & Areas

In summary, an infinite isosceles triangle is a geometric figure with two equal sides and angles. Not all infinite isosceles triangles have integer sides and areas, but those that do can be calculated using a specific formula. The angles of an infinite isosceles triangle can be non-integer as long as the sides and area meet certain ratios. These triangles have practical applications in various fields, including architecture, engineering, and physics. They can be used to create stable structures and model natural phenomena.
  • #1
kaliprasad
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Show that there are infiinite isosceles triangles which have integer sides and integer areas
 
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  • #2
My solution:

Consider the isosceles triangle with legs of length $5k$, base $6k$, and height $4k$, where $k$ is any natural number.

[TIKZ]
\draw[gray] (0,0) rectangle (-0.3,0.3);
\draw[thick] (0,0) -- node[below] {3k} (3,0) -- (0,4) -- node
{5k} (-3,0) -- node[below] {3k} (0,0) -- node
{4k} (0,4);
[/TIKZ]

Its area is $\frac 12 \cdot 6k \cdot 4k = 12k^2$, which is an integer.
Therefore there are infinitely many isosceles triangles with integer sides and integer areas.

Additionally, there are infinitely many such triangles of which no two are similar to each other.
That's because there are infinitely many primitive pythagorean triples (of which the classical 3-4-5 is an example).
 
Last edited:
  • #3
I like Serena said:
My solution:

Consider the isosceles triangle with legs of length $5k$, base $6k$, and height $4k$, where $k$ is any natural number.

[TIKZ]
\draw[gray] (0,0) rectangle (-0.3,0.3);
\draw[thick] (0,0) -- node[below] {3k} (3,0) -- (0,4) -- node
{5k} (-3,0) -- node[below] {3k} (0,0) -- node
{4k} (0,4);
[/TIKZ]

Its area is $\frac 12 \cdot 6k \cdot 4k = 12k$, which is an integer.
Therefore there are infinitely many isosceles triangles with integer sides and integer areas.

Additionally, there are infinitely many such triangles of which no two are similar to each other.
That's because there are infinitely many primitive pythagoreans triples (of which the classical 3-4-5 is an example).


area = $12k^2$
 

FAQ: Infinite Isosceles Triangles w/ Integer Sides & Areas

What is an infinite isosceles triangle?

An infinite isosceles triangle is a geometric figure with three sides, two of which are equal in length. It has two equal angles opposite the equal sides.

Do all infinite isosceles triangles have integer sides and areas?

No, not all infinite isosceles triangles have integer sides and areas. In order for the sides and areas to be integers, the triangle must have certain ratios between its sides and angles.

How is the area of an infinite isosceles triangle with integer sides and areas calculated?

The area of an infinite isosceles triangle with integer sides and areas can be calculated using the formula A = (b^2 * cot(θ)) / 4, where b is the length of the equal sides and θ is the angle opposite the equal sides.

Can an infinite isosceles triangle have non-integer angles?

Yes, an infinite isosceles triangle can have non-integer angles. As long as the sides and area satisfy the necessary ratios, the angles can be any real number.

How can infinite isosceles triangles with integer sides and areas be used in real-world applications?

Infinite isosceles triangles with integer sides and areas have applications in fields such as architecture, engineering, and physics. They can be used to create stable structures and to model natural phenomena such as snowflakes and crystals.

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