Math Problem Statement

Ian draws triangles whose two side lengths are 33 and 55. The length of the third side is an integer with exactly 3 factors. How many different triangles can Ian draw?

Solution

To determine how many different triangles Ian can draw, we need to consider the constraints of the triangle inequality and the condition that the third side cc is an integer with exactly 3 factors.

Step 1: Triangle Inequality Conditions

The triangle inequality states that for any triangle with sides aa, bb, and cc:

  1. a+b>ca + b > c
  2. a+c>ba + c > b
  3. b+c>ab + c > a

In this case, let a=33a = 33 and b=55b = 55. The inequalities become:

  1. 33+55>c33 + 55 > c \ 88>c88 > c \ Therefore, c<88c < 88

  2. 33+c>5533 + c > 55 \ c>22c > 22

  3. 55+c>3355 + c > 33 \ This is always true since cc will be positive.

From these inequalities, we can combine the results: 22<c<8822 < c < 88

Step 2: Finding Integer Values of cc with Exactly 3 Factors

An integer has exactly 3 factors if it is the square of a prime number. This is because the number of factors d(n)d(n) of a number n=pkn = p^k (where pp is prime and kk is a positive integer) is given by d(n)=k+1d(n) = k + 1. Thus, for d(n)=3d(n) = 3, we have k=2k = 2, which means n=p2n = p^2.

Next, we need to find the prime numbers whose squares lie within the bounds 22<c<8822 < c < 88.

Step 3: Identify Primes and Their Squares

Let's consider the primes up to 889.38\sqrt{88} \approx 9.38:

  • The primes are 2, 3, 5, and 7.

Now, we compute their squares:

  • 22=42^2 = 4
  • 32=93^2 = 9
  • 52=255^2 = 25
  • 72=497^2 = 49

Now we check which of these squares fall between 22 and 88:

  • 2525 (valid)
  • 4949 (valid)

Step 4: Valid Values for cc

The valid integers for cc that are squares of primes and satisfy the triangle inequalities are:

  • 2525
  • 4949

Conclusion

Thus, there are 2 different triangles that Ian can draw with sides 3333, 5555, and a third side cc that is either 2525 or 4949.

Would you like further details or have any questions about the solution? Here are some related questions you might consider:

  1. What are the properties of triangles that satisfy specific inequalities?
  2. How can we determine the number of factors of a given integer?
  3. What is the significance of prime numbers in number theory?
  4. Can you provide examples of other integers that have exactly three factors?
  5. How does the triangle inequality apply to other shapes, like quadrilaterals?

Tip: Always verify that your integer solutions meet any defined constraints, like the triangle inequalities, before concluding.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Number Theory

Formulas

Triangle Inequality: a + b > c, a + c > b, b + c > a
Factors of an integer

Theorems

Triangle Inequality Theorem
Properties of Numbers with Exact Factors

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12