Four parameters, phi (electronegativity), n(ws)(1/3) (valence electron dens
ity in Wagner-Seitz cell), R (Pauling's metallic radius) and Z (number of v
alence electrons in atom), and the pattern recognition methods were used to
investigate the regularities of formation of ternary intermetallic compoun
ds between three transition elements. The obtained mathematical model expre
ssed by some inequalities can be used as a criterion of ternary compound fo
rmation in "unknown" phase diagrams of alloy systems.