Question

An isosceles triangle has two sides of equal length, a, and a base, b. The perimeter of the triangle is 15.7 inches, so the equation to solve is 2a + b = 15.7. Which lengths make sense for possible values of b? Check all that apply. –2 in. 0 in. 0.5 in. 2 in. 7.9 in.

Answer 1

If you take b = 0 there is no triangle.

b = -2in makes no sense.

b = 0.5 in, 2 in and 7.9 in makes sense But if b = 7.9 in there exist some problem.

Calculating the height h, you must to divide the side b, and draw the corresponding segment.

You have two internal triangles, you obtain h by the Pitagora's theorem.

`h^2 = 3.9^2 - (3.95)^2 < 0` Clearly makes no sense.

Note 3.9 is the value of the side a solving the relation in the text.

So, the possible values are 0.5 in and 2 in