Problema Solution

The shortest side of a triangle is 8 in. less than the medium side, and the longest side is 4 in. longer than 3 times the shortest side. If the perimeter is 27 in., find the length of the shortest side.

Answer provided by our tutors

Let the shortest side S = x

Longest side is 4in longer than 3 times shortest side

So

L = 3x + 4

Medium side is 8 in more than the shortest side

M = x+8

 

So perimeter = S + L + M = x + 3x + 4+x + 8 = 5x + 12

5x + 12 = 27

x = 15/5 = 3

 

Length of shortest side = 3 inches