Question

A triangular parking lot has two sides that are the same length and the third side is 5 m longer. If the perimeter is 71 m, find the lengths of the sides. Provide an equation and show all work

Answer 1

The equation can be expressed as;

x+y=71 where,

Lengths of two equal sides=x=22 m

Lengths of longer side=y=27 m

Explanation:

The total perimeter can be expressed as;

Total perimeter=Total length of the equal sides+total length of the longer side

where;

Total perimeter=71 m

Total length of each of the equal sides=x m

Total length of longer side=y=(x+5) m

replacing;

x+y=71...equation 1

71=(2×x)+(x+5)

2 x+x=71-5

3 x=66

x=66/3

x=22 m

y=x+5=22+5=27 m

Lengths of two equal sides=22 m

Lengths of longer side=27 m

Equation;

x+y=71