﻿ Project Euler Problem 9
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Project Euler - Problem 9

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Problem description


a2 + b2 = c2

For example, 32 + 42 = 9 + 16 = 25 = 52).

Find the product abc.


There are three variables and two equations.  We can reduce this to two variables and 1 equation.  After that we will have to switch to a numerical approach with the added constraint that the results be integers greater than 0.

Start with

a2+b2=c2 - (1) and

a+b+c=1000 (2)

(2) gives c=1000-(a+b)

Substituting this in (1) gives

a2+b2=[1000-(a+b)]2 -- (3)

Simplifying (3) yields

2000*(a+b) - 2*a*b = 106

Designate two cells in some worksheet as representing a and b.  I chose G2 and G3.  Then, in some other cell enter the formula =2000*(G2+G3)-2*G2*G3-10^6.  Create a Solver model that specifies the cell with the formula should have a value of zero and that the variables be integer values greater than zero.  The Solver solution will be the answer.