The perimeter of a triangle is 40 cm and its area is 60 cm². If the largest side measures 17 cm, then the length (in cm) of the smallest side of the triangle is

Let sides of triangle are, a, b and c respectively
∴ largest side given = 17 cm
= Perimeter = a + b + c
= 40 cm (given)
Area = 60 cm² (given)
In such questions take the help of triplets which form right angle triangle

So, here we have a side 17 cm
⇒ by triplet we get sides 8 and 15
⇒ check the sides
Perimeter = 8 + 15 + 17 = 40
Area = $$\frac{1}{2}$$ × 8 × 15 ⇒ 60
Hence sides are 15, 8
Smaller side = 8 cm