The longest side of a triangle is 3 times the shortest side and the third side is 2 cm shorter than the longest side. If the perimeter of the triangle is at least 61 cm, find the minimum length of the shortest side.
Let us assume the length of the shortest side of the triangle be x cm
∴ According to the question, length of the longest side = 3x cm
And, length of third side = (3x – 2) cm
As, the least perimeter of the triangle = 61 cm
Thus, 
= 7x – 2 ≥ 61
= 7x ≥ 63
= x ≥ 9
Hence, the minimum length o the shortest side will be 9 cm
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