Problema Solution

In an isosceles triangle, the length of each of the congruent sides is one more than five-sevenths of the length of the base. The perimeter is 36, find the lengths of all the sides.

Answer provided by our tutors

x = length of congruent side

y = length of base

 

Two sides are of equal length and each exceeds the length of5/7*base + 1:

 

x = (5/7)y + 1

 

Perimeter = 36:  

 

2x + y = 36

 

=>  2((5/7)y + 1) + y = 36

(10/7)y + 2 + y = 36

(17/7)y + 2 = 36

(17/7)y = 34

17y = 238

 

y = 14

 

x = (5/7)(14) + 1 = 10 + 1 = 11