Thread: Concerning the altitude of an equilateral triangle

I appologise if this is the wrong forum. I figured triangles are trigonometry.

Are there any equilateral triangles where both h and a are integers?

I found this formula on the internet.

h = (1/2) * √3 * a

Is there any way to re-arrange it to get rid of the square root?

I'm trying to write a program to answer my original question but it would round off a value for the square root which would make it impossible to find a match. Sorry if this is really basic, I left school a long time ago.

Originally Posted by blis

I appologise if this is the wrong forum. I figured triangles are trigonometry.
Are there any equilateral triangles where both h and a are integers?

I found this formula on the internet.
h = (1/2) * √3 * a
Is there any way to re-arrange it to get rid of the square root?

But that is no better. Is it?

I think that will work actually. Thank you.

I can get it to keep trying different integers for a and h until it equals 3(if ever)

Originally Posted by blis

I can get it to keep trying different integers for a and h until it equals 3(if ever)

Let this be a lesson to everyone.
Always post what you mean to ask in the first place.

You never find integer solutions for a & h.

In order for we must have .

In effect, . But that is impossible.

Most of that goes over my head but to hear that it is indeed impossible saves me a lot of time.

Thanks.

You've inspired me to try and learn more about maths.