Find all integers for which every convex equilateral -gon of side length contains an equilateral triangle of side length . (Here, polygons contain their boundaries.)
Solution
Find all integers for which every convex equilateral -gon of side length 1 contains an equilateral triangle of side length 1. We need to analyze the conditions such that any configuration of such a polygon will always have space to fit an equilateral triangle of unit side length.
### Analysis
1. Understanding the Geometry:
For an equilateral -gon with side length 1, consider its symmetrical properties. The objective is to fit an equilateral triangle with side length 1 within this polygon, implying that our triangle shares a side or nearly a side with our polygon's perimeter.
2. Convex Equilateral Triangles:
- For , the polygon itself is an equilateral triangle, naturally containing itself as a unit triangle, satisfying the condition.
- For (a square), it cannot necessarily contain an equilateral triangle of side 1 within it due to geometric restrictions, hence it cannot satisfy the condition.
3. **Odd-numbered -gons**:
- When is odd, the symmetry and distribution of vertices allow the formation of such a triangle more easily due to alternative point distribution.
- By constructing examples for odd , we observe it is always possible to fit an equilateral triangle within such polygons.
4. **Even-numbered -gons**:
- Even configurations, such as squares, may lack the required space for such inclusions, especially due to vertex-edge distribution symmetry breaking and angle arrangements.
### Conclusion
Upon examining these geometric configurations, the restriction occurs primarily in even -gons where the equilateral nature conflicts with containing a triangle of unit side as desired. However, for odd values of , the structural properties allow an equilateral triangle of side length 1 to fit regardless of polygon orientation.
Thus, the set of that satisfy the problem's condition is: