Question

The longest side of a triangle is 3 times the shortest side and the third side is 2 cm shorter than the longest side. If the perimeter of the triangle is at least 61 cm, find the minimum length of the shortest side.

Answer 1

Define x:

Let the shortest side be x

Longest side = 3x

Third side = 3x - 2

Solve x:

Perimeter is at least 61 cm

x + 3x + 3x - 2 ≥ 61

7x - 2 ≥ 61

7x ≥ 63

x ≥ 9 cm

Shortest side is at least 9 cm

Answer: 9 cm