Slicing a Triangle into 24502450 Pieces

Problem

Triangle ABCABC has side lengths AB=9AB = 9, BC=53BC = 5\sqrt{3}, and AC=12AC = 12. Points P0=A,P1,P2,…,P2449,P2450=BP_0 = A, P_1, P_2, \dots, P_{2449}, P_{2450} = B lie in this order on segment ABAB, and points Q0=A,Q1,Q2,…,Q2449,Q2450=CQ_0 = A, Q_1, Q_2, \dots, Q_{2449}, Q_{2450} = C lie in this order on segment ACAC. Each of the 24492449 segments PkQkP_kQ_k (k=1,2,…,2449k = 1, 2, \dots, 2449) is parallel to BCBC, and together they divide the triangle into 24502450 regions — one triangle and 24492449 trapezoids — all of equal area. Find the number of segments PkQkP_kQ_k whose length is rational.

Answer

Solution

Difficulty6/10
Topicsplane geometry, Diophantine Equations, Similar Triangles, number theory

Whiteboard

Your sketch is saved only in this browser. To share it, export your drawing as an image (whiteboard menu → Export as → PNG), then upload that image in the comments below.

Discussion

Ask questions, share alternate solutions, and use LaTeX freely.

0 comments
Log in to join the discussion.

No comments yet.