Question

Side XY is of length 11b .

Side XZ is of length 2a+3b.
Side YZ is of length a The triangle is isosceles, with XY=XZ
The perimeter of the triangle is 91. Use algebra to find the values of a and b.

Answer 1

a = 14, b = 3.5

Explanation:

XZ = XY , then

2a + 3b = 11b ( subtract 3b from both sides )

2a = 8b ( divide both sides by 2 )

a = 4b

The perimeter is 91 , so

11b +2a + 3b + a = 91

14b + 3a = 91 ← substitute a = 4b

14b + 3(4b) = 91

14b + 12b = 91

26b = 91 ( divide both sides by 26 )

b = 3.5

and a = 4b = 4 × 3.5 = 14