Number Theory and Algebra Summary

Monday, July 8, 2002

Monday brought with it a good problem, if not a perfect solution. We looked at what should be a very nice problem... how do we choose integer sides of a triangle so that the area is also an integer.

Now, as we've found, choosing the obvious answer is never sufficient (right triangle, one leg even). So, we brought in Heron's formula and spent the better part of two hours determing criteria so that we could find three sides! We've found a few properties and defined a subset of possible solutions... the general answer eludes us (for now!).

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