Answer:
D. 10
Explanation:
To solve this question, first, find the perimeter of the triangle. Since all the sides add to 40, you can use the equation:
a + b + c = 40
Where a, b, and c are the sides.
2a - 3 + 3a + 1 + 2a = 40
Combine like terms.
2a + 3a + 2a - 3 + 1 = 40
7a - 2 = 40
Add 2 to both sides.
7a = 42
Divide both sides by 7.
a = 6
Now that you know this, find the values of each side.
Side 1:
2a - 3
2(6) - 3
12 - 3
9
Side 2:
3a + 1
3(6) + 1
18 + 1
19
Side 3:
2a
2(6)
12
This means that the longest side is side 2 (19, or 3a + 1) and the shortest side is side 1 (9, or 2a - 3).
To find how much bigger the longest side is than the shortest side, take the difference of the two sides.
19 (longest side) - 9 (shortest side) = 10.