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Geometry Difficulty 8.1 Shortlist Find the answer

Find all integers n3n\geq 3 for which every convex equilateral nn-gon of side length 11 contains an equilateral triangle of side length 11. (Here, polygons contain their boundaries.)

A number or a short expression. Spacing and $ signs are ignored.

Solution

Find all integers n3 n \geq 3 for which every convex equilateral n n -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 n n -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 n=3 n = 3 , the polygon itself is an equilateral triangle, naturally containing itself as a unit triangle, satisfying the condition.
- For n=4 n = 4 (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 n n -gons**:
- When n n 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 n n , we observe it is always possible to fit an equilateral triangle within such polygons.

4. **Even-numbered n n -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 n n -gons where the equilateral nature conflicts with containing a triangle of unit side as desired. However, for odd values of n n , the structural properties allow an equilateral triangle of side length 1 to fit regardless of polygon orientation.

Thus, the set of n n that satisfy the problem's condition is:
all odd n, n3 \boxed{\text{all odd } n, \text{ } n \geq 3}

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Source: Omni-MATH, licensed Apache-2.0. Statement and solution reproduced as published; topic and difficulty added by this site.