Is it possible for the lengths of a right triangle to form a geometric sequence? If yes, determine the lengths and the measures of the acute angles. if it's not possible, explain why not.

User Icon for bobpursley bobpursley answered
13 years ago

lengths of a right triangle? You mean the three sides?

Try it: lengths a, ar, ar^2

now see if Pythagoras postulate will work:

c^2=a^2 + b^2

Either a, or ar^2 is c. Try a first

a^2=(ar)^2+(ar^2)^2
dividing by a^2
1=r^2 + r^4
r^4+r^2-1=0

r^2 = (1+-sqrt(5))/2
r= 1.272
so sides are a; 1.272a; 1.618a

which means a was not the longest side.

check:
(1.618^2)=1^2+1.272^2

acute angles?
sinA= 1.272/1.618 Then B: sinB=1/1.618