Euclid's formula for Pythagorean triples

The formulas $a=m^2-n^2$, $b=2mn$, $c=m^2+n^2$ give a Pythagorean triple for integers $m>n>0$, because $(m^2-n^2{)}^2+(2mn{)}^2=(m^2+n^2{)}^2$. They give a primitive Pythagorean triple exactly when $m,n$ are coprime and have opposite integer parity. Every primitive Pythagorean triple arises this way after possibly exchanging the legs; scaling gives the nonprimitive triples.