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 to sides?

A. 3.1 cm
B. 3.2 cm
C. 4.2 cm
D. 6.1 cm

Answer 1

The base is 2 cm long and you want 3 pairs, that means 6 earrings.
2 cm × 6 earrings = 12 cm

12 cm of the 50 cm have been used for the base.
50 - 12 = 38 cm is left

An isosceles triangle has 2 sides that are isosceles and you want 6 earrings.
2 sides × 6 earrings = 12 sides

To figure out the length for those 12 sides with the 38 cm wire that is left, you divide.
38 cm ÷ 12 sides = approx 3.1 cm for each side