the shorter sides are x…

Mathematics Questions

In an acute triangle, the shorter sides are x cm and 2x cm, and the longest side is 15 cm. What is the smallest whole-number value of x? A. 6 B. 7 C. 8 D. 9

Short Answer

The value of x is determined to be 7 through the application of triangle inequality rules and the cosine rule, ensuring the triangle remains acute. The inequalities established that x must be greater than 6.7 and less than 7.5, with 7 being the only valid solution.

Step-by-Step Solution

The value of x is 7.

Step 1: Establish Triangle Conditions

To find the value of x in the triangle with sides x cm, 2x cm, and 15 cm, we first need to apply the triangle inequality rules. These rules state:

  • The sum of the two smallest sides must be greater than the third side.
  • The difference between the two smallest sides must be less than the third side.

From the inequalities, we derive:

  • Sum: x + 2x > 15 leads to x > 5.
  • Difference: 2x – x < 15 leads to x < 15.

Step 2: Apply Cosine Rule for Acute Triangle

Next, we use the cosine rule to ensure the triangle is acute. We have:

  • Let a = x, b = 2x, c = 15.
  • The formula is cos A = (b² + c² – a²) / (2bc).
  • For the triangle to be acute, cos A > 0, leading to the inequality 5x² – 225 > 0.

This simplifies to x > 6.7 (approximate) to maintain the acute angle condition.

Step 3: Final Determination of x’s Value

Combining the conditions from both steps provides a range for x. We have:

  • From Step 1: x > 5 and x < 15.
  • From Step 2: x > 6.7 and x < 7.5.

With x needing to satisfy all conditions, the only value that fits is x = 7, confirming our conclusion.

Related Concepts

Triangle inequality

Rules that determine the relationship between the lengths of the sides of a triangle, asserting that the sum of any two sides must be greater than the third side

Cosine rule

A mathematical formula used in triangles to relate the lengths of the sides to the cosine of one of the angles, particularly used to determine whether the triangle is acute, right, or obtuse

Acute triangle

A type of triangle in which all three angles are less than 90 degrees, meaning that the triangle is ‘pointed’ and does not contain any right angles.

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