2006 AMC 10B Problems/Problem 10

Problem

In a triangle with integer side lengths, one side is three times as long as a second side, and the length of the third side is $15$. What is the greatest possible perimeter of the triangle?

$\textbf{(A) } 43\qquad \textbf{(B) } 44\qquad \textbf{(C) } 45\qquad \textbf{(D) } 46\qquad \textbf{(E) } 47$

Solution

Let $x$ be the length of the first side.

The lengths of the sides are: $x$, $3x$, and $15$.

By the Triangle Inequality,

$3x < x + 15$

$2x < 15$

$x < \frac{15}{2}$

The greatest integer satisfying this inequality is $7$.

So the greatest possible perimeter is $7 + 3\cdot7 + 15 =\boxed{\textbf{(A) } 43}$

See Also

2006 AMC 10B (ProblemsAnswer KeyResources)
Preceded by
Problem 9
Followed by
Problem 11
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All AMC 10 Problems and Solutions

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