SOLUTION: For how many integer values of x does there exist a triangle whose sides have length 2 1/2, 5, and x ?

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Question 256379: For how many integer values of x does there exist a triangle whose sides have
length 2 1/2, 5, and x ?

Answer by Edwin McCravy(20055)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!

In any triangle, the sum of any two sides must be greater
than the third side.

That is, these three inequalities must hold:



The third inequality is bound to hold, since regardless
of what positive integer x is the left side is larger
than 5 so obviously it's larger than .

So we only need to concentrate on the first two inequalities.

The first inequality abounts to  and the second
inequality, when solved for x amounts to .

Thus x is an integer such that  and the only
integers between 2.5 and 7.5 are 3,4,5,6,and 7.

So those are the only integers x can take on.  The answer is 5.

Edwin


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