Back to Mathematical Olympiad
Difficulty: 4/102023 IOQM 2023 (Q13)

The ex-radii of triangle are 10 , 12 and 14. If the sides of the triangle are the roots of the cubic x3 – px2 + qx – = 0, where p, q, are integers, find the integer nearest to p+q +r .

Guide / Hint

Hint 1: Start by analyzing the initial conditions and setting up the basic equations.  r1 = = , r2 = = 12.

Hint 2: Look for algebraic properties, symmetry, or geometric theorems to simplify. S–a 2 S–b.

Hint 3: Proceed with the final algebraic steps to solve the system. and r3 = solve for the final value.

Solution

Step 1:  r1 = = , r2 = = 12

Step 2: S–a 2 S–b

Step 3: and r3 = = 14

Step 4: On solving above equations, we get

Step 5: a = 13, = 14, = 15

Step 6: Let f(x) = x3 – px2 + qx – r

Step 7: = (x – 13) (x – 14) (x – 15)

Step 8: f(–1) = –1 – – r

Step 9: = (–14) (–15) (–16)

Step 10: => + + = 14  15  16 – 1

Step 11: => + + = 3364  58

Ready to track your progress and master these topics?

Create a free account