Difference between revisions of "2015 AMC 10B Problems/Problem 25"
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First consider the bound of the variable <math>a</math>. Since <math>\frac{1}{a}<\frac{1}{a}+\frac{1}{b}+\frac{1}{c}=\frac{1}{2},</math> we have <math>a>2</math>, or <math>a\ge 3</math>. | First consider the bound of the variable <math>a</math>. Since <math>\frac{1}{a}<\frac{1}{a}+\frac{1}{b}+\frac{1}{c}=\frac{1}{2},</math> we have <math>a>2</math>, or <math>a\ge 3</math>. | ||
− | Also note that <math>c\ge b\ge a>0</math>, we have <math>\frac{1}{a} | + | Also note that <math>c\ge b\ge a>0</math>, we have <math>\frac{1}{a}\ge \frac{1}{b}\ge \frac{1}{c}</math>. Thus, <math>\frac{1}{2}=\frac{1}{a}+\frac{1}{b}+\frac{1}{c}\le \frac{3}{a}</math>, so <math>a\le 6</math>. |
So we have <math>a=3, 4, 5</math> or <math>6</math>. | So we have <math>a=3, 4, 5</math> or <math>6</math>. |
Revision as of 18:54, 30 November 2019
Problem
A rectangular box measures , where , , and are integers and . The volume and the surface area of the box are numerically equal. How many ordered triples are possible?
Solution
The surface area is , the volume is , so .
Divide both sides by , we have:
First consider the bound of the variable . Since we have , or .
Also note that , we have . Thus, , so .
So we have or .
Before the casework, let's consider the possible range for if .
From , we have . From , we have . Thus
When , , so . The solutions we find are , for a total of solutions.
When , , so . The solutions we find are , for a total of solutions.
When , , so . The only solution in this case is .
When , is forced to be , and thus .
Thus, our answer is
Simplification of Solution
The surface area is , the volume is , so .
Divide both sides by , we have: First consider the bound of the variable . Since we have , or .
Also note that , we have . Thus, , so .
So we have or .
We can say , where .
Notice that ! This is our key step. Then we can say , . If we clear the fraction about b and c (do the math), our immediate result is that . Realize also that .
Now go through cases for and you end up with the same result. However, now you don't have to guess solutions. For example, when , then and .
See Also
2015 AMC 10B (Problems • Answer Key • Resources) | ||
Preceded by Problem 24 |
Followed by Last Question | |
1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 • 6 • 7 • 8 • 9 • 10 • 11 • 12 • 13 • 14 • 15 • 16 • 17 • 18 • 19 • 20 • 21 • 22 • 23 • 24 • 25 | ||
All AMC 10 Problems and Solutions |
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