# Max Numbers of Different Triangles

• September 26th 2008, 05:21 AM
magentarita
Max Numbers of Different Triangles
A box contains one 2-inch rod, one 3-inch rod, one 4-inch rod, and one 5-inch rod. What is the maximum number of different triangles that can be made using these rods as sides?
• September 27th 2008, 04:23 AM
earboth
Quote:

Originally Posted by magentarita
A box contains one 2-inch rod, one 3-inch rod, one 4-inch rod, and one 5-inch rod. What is the maximum number of different triangles that can be made using these rods as sides?

You are supposed to know the triangle inequality. If the sides of a triangle are a, b and c then the inequality

$a+b>c~\wedge~a+c>b~\wedge~b+c>a$

must be satisfied.

With your values you get:

$\begin{array}{cccc}a&b&c& \\2&3&4&OK\\2&3&5&No,\ but\ why?\\2&4&5&OK \\ 3&4&5&OK\end{array}$

So I've got 3 triangles maximum. Probably I've forgotten one or two combinations but I hope you know now how to do this question.
• September 27th 2008, 04:25 AM
magentarita
earboth
Quote:

Originally Posted by earboth
You are supposed to know the triangle inequality. If the sides of a triangle are a, b and c then the inequality

$a+b>c~\wedge~a+c>b~\wedge~b+c>a$

must be satisfied.

With your values you get:

$\begin{array}{cccc}a&b&c& \\2&3&4&OK\\2&3&5&No,\ but\ why?\\2&4&5&OK \\ 3&4&5&OK\end{array}$

So I've got 3 triangles maximum. Probably I've forgotten one or two combinations but I hope you know now how to do this question.

Earboth,

Thanks. I was wondering where you were.