<P> A Pythagorean triple consists of three positive integers a, b, and c, such that a + b = c . Such a triple is commonly written (a, b, c), and a well - known example is (3, 4, 5). If (a, b, c) is a Pythagorean triple, then so is (ka, kb, kc) for any positive integer k . A primitive Pythagorean triple is one in which a, b and c are coprime (that is, they have no common divisor larger than 1). A triangle whose sides form a Pythagorean triple is called a Pythagorean triangle, and is necessarily a right triangle . </P> <P> The name is derived from the Pythagorean theorem, stating that every right triangle has side lengths satisfying the formula a + b = c; thus, Pythagorean triples describe the three integer side lengths of a right triangle . However, right triangles with non-integer sides do not form Pythagorean triples . For instance, the triangle with sides a = b = 1 and c = √ 2 is a right triangle, but (1, 1, √ 2) is not a Pythagorean triple because √ 2 is not an integer . Moreover, 1 and √ 2 do not have an integer common multiple because √ 2 is irrational . </P>

A set of 3 non zero whole numbers that form the sides of a right triangle