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jmc

algebra senior

Problem

How many distinct, non-equilateral triangles with a perimeter of 60 units have integer side lengths , , and such that , , is an arithmetic sequence?
Solution
Let be the common difference, so and . We can assume that is positive. (In particular, can't be 0, because the triangle is not equilateral.) Then the perimeter of the triangle is , so . Hence, the sides of the triangle are , 20, and .

These sides must satisfy the triangle inequality, which gives us Solving for , we find , or . Therefore, the possible values of are 1, 2, , 9, which gives us possible triangles.
Final answer
9