Answer: 6 inches
Explanation:
To find the lengths of the sides of the triangle when they are in the extended ratio 2:6:7 and the perimeter is 45 inches, you can set up a proportion.
Let the side lengths be 2x, 6x, and 7x, where x is a common multiplier.
According to the given ratio, the perimeter of the triangle is the sum of these side lengths:
2x + 6x + 7x = 45
Combine like terms:
15x = 45
Now, divide both sides by 15 to solve for x:
x = 3
Now that we have found the value of x, we can find the lengths of the sides:
Shortest side = 2x = 2 * 3 = 6 inches
So, the length of the shortest side of the triangle is 6 inches.