Let x be the length of each of the equal sides of the isosceles triangle. Then the length of the base is x - 4. The perimeter of the triangle is the sum of the lengths of the three sides, which is:
x + x + (x - 4) = 3x - 4
We know that the perimeter is 32, so we can set 3x - 4 equal to 32 and solve for x:
3x - 4 = 32
Adding 4 to both sides gives:
3x = 36
Dividing by 3 gives:
x = 12
Therefore, one of the equal sides of the triangle is 12 inches long, and the length of the base is 12 - 4 = 8 inches.
So the three sides of the triangle are 12 inches, 12 inches, and 8 inches.
The correct equation to solve the problem is (C) 3x - 4 = 32.