Question

The first side of a triangle measures 4 in. less than the second side, the third side is 3 in. more than the first side, and the perimeter is 15 in. How long is the third side?

If s represents the length of the second side, which of the following represents the length of the third side?

Answer 1

well... 15-3-4= 8 so the third side will equaal 8, but I don't know what the s stuff means, so I figure it has to do with the diagram?

Answer 2

The length of the third side is
`(17)/(3)` inches.

Explanation:

In the ΔABC

Let the second side = s = BC

First side of the triangle measures 4 in. less than the second side.

First side, AB = s-4

Third side ,AC = AB+3 = s-4+3=s-1

Perimeter of the triangle =15 inches

AB+BC+AC=15 inches

`s-4+s+s-1=15 inches`

`s=(20)/(3) inches`

Third side ,AC= s-1
`(17)/(3) inches`

The length of the third side is
`(17)/(3)` inches.