# Math Help - isosceles triangle

1. ## isosceles triangle

Hi;

The coordinates of the vertices of an isosceles triangle are integers. Show that the square of the length of its base is an even number.

Any hint would be helphul. Thanks in advance.

2. Hello,
Originally Posted by disclaimer
Hi;

The coordinates of the vertices of an isosceles triangle are integers. Show that the square of the length of its base is an even number.

Any hint would be helphul. Thanks in advance.
Let $(x_1,y_1)$ be the coordinates of the summit : $A_1$
Let $(x_2,y_2)$ and $(x_3,y_3)$ be the coordinates of the two other points : $A_2,A_3$

We know that $A_1A_2=A_1A_3$. Hence $A_1A_2^2=A_1A_3^2$

So this can be written :

$\boxed{(x_2-x_1)^2+(y_2-y_1)^2=(x_3-x_1)^2+(y_3-y_1)^2}$

Now you want to prove that $A_2A_3^2$ is even.

$A_2A_3^2=(x_3-x_2)^2+(y_3-y_2)^2$

Now write $x_3-x_2=(x_3-x_1)+(x_1-x_2)$ and $y_3-y_2=(y_3-y_1)+(y_1-y_2)$

and expand the two squares following this model : $\left((x_3-x_1)+(x_1-x_2)\right)^2=(x_3-x_1)^2+(x_1-x_2)^2+2(x_1-x_2)(x_3-x_1)$

Then simplify and conclude