Final answer:
To calculate the perimeter of the triangle, sum the lengths of its sides. After simplifying the given expressions, the perimeter is 47 + 2x inches.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the perimeter of the triangle with sides 24, (21 - x) inches, (2x - 3) inches, and (x + 5) inches, we need to sum up the lengths of all three sides.
The perimeter (P) of the triangle is the total length around it, which is calculated as follows:
P = side1 + side2 + side3
So the perimeter in this case would be:
P = 24 + (21 - x) + (2x - 3) + (x + 5)
Combine like terms to simplify:
P = 24 + 21 - x + 2x - 3 + x + 5
P = (24 + 21 + 5 - 3) + (-x + 2x + x)
P = 47 + 2x
Thus, the perimeter of the triangle is 47 + 2x inches.