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Printjmc
algebra senior
Problem
How many distinct rectangles are there with integer side lengths such that the numerical value of area of the rectangle in square units is equal to times the numerical value of the perimeter in units? (Two rectangles are considered to be distinct if they are not congruent.)
Solution
Let the side lengths of the rectangle be and with . Then Expanding and moving all the terms to the left hand side gives We apply Simon's Favorite Factoring Trick and add to both sides to allow us to factor the left hand side: From this, we know that must be a pair of factors of . Consequently, the pairs that provide different areas are and . There are therefore distinct rectangles with the desired property.
Final answer
5