Math Problem Statement

Right triangle ABC has integer side lengths. The altitude from the right angle at C intersects side AB at point D, and the length of CD is 12 units. If the side lengths of triangles CAD and BCD are also integers, what is the minimum possible perimeter of triangle ABC?

Solution

To solve this problem, we’ll use the properties of right triangles and the relationship between the altitude and the sides. Here's the approach:

  1. Apply the Altitude Property in a Right Triangle: For a right triangle ABCABC with a right angle at CC, if the altitude from CC intersects ABAB at DD, then: CD=abcCD = \frac{a \cdot b}{c} where aa, bb, and cc are the side lengths of the triangle opposite vertices AA, BB, and the hypotenuse ABAB respectively.

  2. Use Given Information: We know CD=12CD = 12 and that aa, bb, and cc are integers, which implies that: abc=12\frac{a \cdot b}{c} = 12 Therefore, ab=12ca \cdot b = 12c

  3. Minimum Integer Perimeter: We aim to find integer values of aa, bb, and cc such that a2+b2=c2a^2 + b^2 = c^2, ab=12ca \cdot b = 12c, and the perimeter P=a+b+cP = a + b + c is minimized.

  4. Testing Small Integer Values: By testing possible values, we find that one solution is:

    • a=15a = 15
    • b=20b = 20
    • c=25c = 25

    Here: ab=1520=300=1225a \cdot b = 15 \cdot 20 = 300 = 12 \cdot 25 and a2+b2=152+202=225+400=625=252=c2a^2 + b^2 = 15^2 + 20^2 = 225 + 400 = 625 = 25^2 = c^2

  5. Calculate the Perimeter: The perimeter P=a+b+c=15+20+25=60P = a + b + c = 15 + 20 + 25 = 60.

Thus, the minimum possible perimeter of triangle ABCABC is: 60\boxed{60}

Would you like a detailed breakdown of each calculation or additional help?

Here are some related questions for further exploration:

  1. How does the altitude property in a right triangle help in determining integer side lengths?
  2. What other integer side lengths satisfy the condition abc=12\frac{a \cdot b}{c} = 12?
  3. How can we generalize the relationship for different altitudes in right triangles with integer sides?
  4. What other properties of right triangles involve integer side lengths and altitudes?
  5. How would the problem change if CDCD was a different integer?

Tip: Right triangles with integer side lengths are known as Pythagorean triples, often helpful in geometry problems involving integer constraints.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Right Triangles
Pythagorean Triples
Algebra

Formulas

Altitude formula in a right triangle: CD = (a * b) / c
Pythagorean Theorem: a^2 + b^2 = c^2
Perimeter formula for a triangle: P = a + b + c

Theorems

Pythagorean Theorem
Altitude theorem for right triangles

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12