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:
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Apply the Altitude Property in a Right Triangle: For a right triangle with a right angle at , if the altitude from intersects at , then: where , , and are the side lengths of the triangle opposite vertices , , and the hypotenuse respectively.
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Use Given Information: We know and that , , and are integers, which implies that: Therefore,
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Minimum Integer Perimeter: We aim to find integer values of , , and such that , , and the perimeter is minimized.
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Testing Small Integer Values: By testing possible values, we find that one solution is:
Here: and
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Calculate the Perimeter: The perimeter .
Thus, the minimum possible perimeter of triangle is:
Would you like a detailed breakdown of each calculation or additional help?
Here are some related questions for further exploration:
- How does the altitude property in a right triangle help in determining integer side lengths?
- What other integer side lengths satisfy the condition ?
- How can we generalize the relationship for different altitudes in right triangles with integer sides?
- What other properties of right triangles involve integer side lengths and altitudes?
- How would the problem change if was a different integer?
Tip: Right triangles with integer side lengths are known as Pythagorean triples, often helpful in geometry problems involving integer constraints.
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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
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