2006 AMC 12B 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?

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

Solution

If the second size has length x, then the first side has length 3x, and we have the third side which has length 15. By the triangle inequality, we have: \[\\ x+15>3x \Rightarrow 2x<15 \Rightarrow x<7.5\] Now, since we want the greatest perimeter, we want the greatest integer x, and if $x<7.5$ then $x=7$. Then, the first side has length $3*7=21$, the second side has length $7$, the third side has length $15$, and so the perimeter is $21+7+15=43 \Rightarrow \boxed{\text {(A)}}$.

See also

2006 AMC 12B (ProblemsAnswer KeyResources)
Preceded by
Problem 9
Followed by
Problem 11
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All AMC 12 Problems and Solutions

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