Answer:
23.5 in
Explanation:
To find the length of HJ in triangle GHJ, create three equations using the given information, then solve simultaneously.
Equation 1
HJ is two inches longer than GH:
⇒ HJ = GH + 2
Equation 2
GJ is 17 inches shorter than the sum of HJ and GH:
⇒ GJ + 17 = HJ + GH
Equation 3
The perimeter of ΔGHJ is 73 inches:
⇒ HJ + GH + GJ = 73
Substitute Equation 1 into Equation 2 and isolate GJ:
⇒ GJ + 17 = GH + 2 + GH
⇒ GJ + 17 = 2GH + 2
⇒ GJ = 2GH - 15
Substitute Equation 1 into Equation 3 and isolate GJ:
⇒ GH + 2 + GH + GJ = 73
⇒ 2GH + GJ = 71
⇒ GJ = 71 - 2GH
Equate the two equations where GJ is the subject and solve for GH:
⇒ 2GH - 15 = 71 - 2GH
⇒ 4GH = 86
⇒ GH = 21.5
Substitute the found value of GH into Equation 1 and solve for HJ:
⇒ HJ = 21.5 + 2
⇒ HJ = 23.5