Question

You want to make 3 pairs of earrings that are in the shape of isosceles triangles. Each earring will have a base of 2 cm. The wire to make the earrings is 50 cm long. If you want to maximize the use of the wire, which of the following would represent the length of each of the other two sides?

Answer 1

3.1 cm

Explanation:

I did the test yourself and this is the correct answer.

Answer 2

The length of each of the other two sides would be 3.1 cm

Explanation:

The options of the question are

A. 3.1 cm

B. 3.2 cm

C. 4.2 cm

D. 6.1 cm

we know that

An isosceles triangle has two equal sides and two equal interior angles

Let

x -----> the length of each of the two equal sides in the isosceles triangle

The perimeter of one isosceles triangle is equal to

`P=2x+2`

Remember that

To maximize the use of the wire, the perimeter of 6 earrings (3 pairs of earrings) must be equal to 50 cm

so

`6(2x+2)=50`

Solve for x

`12x+12=50`

`12x=50-12`

`12x=38`

`x=(38)/(12)=3.16\ cm`

therefore

The length of each of the other two sides would be 3.1 cm