Answer:
So the congruent sides measures 38 inches each one.
Explanation:
Is important to remember that the perimeter of a triangle is equal to the sum of all its sides.
Some notation
Base=x
Each of the two congruent sides of an isosceles triangle are 2 inches more than three times the base
If we express the congruent sides with the letter c and we express this in terms of x we have:
c=3x+2
The perimeter of the triangle is given 88 inches
Now we can use formula for perimeter of triangle to solve for x
(Congruent side)+(Congruent side)+(base)=perimeter
(3x+2)+(3x+2)+(x)=88
3x+2+3x+2+x=88
7x+4=88
We subtract 4 on both sides
7x=84, and if we divide both sides by 7 we got:
x=12, that represent the length of the base.
The base measures 12 inches
Both sides are equal to 3x+2 . If we replace the value of x obtained we have:
c=3(12)+2=38
So the congruent sides measures 38 inches each one.