Question

An isosceles triangle has a perimeter of 36 inches. Its base is 2 1 /2 times longer than each of its legs. What are the lengths of the sides of the triangle?

Answer 1

8 in, 8 in and 20 in

Explanation:

Let the equal sides of the isosceles triangle be x, then

The base = 2.5x

Sum the 3 sides and equate to the perimeter of 36

x + x + 2.5x = 36

4.5x = 36 ( divide both sides by 4.5 )

x = 8

Thus the 2 equal legs = 8 in

base = 2.5x = 2.5 × 8 = 20 in