Question

The perimeter of a triangle is 7 m. The longest side is twice the length of the shortest side. The sum of the

lengths of the shortest side and the middle side is 1 m more than the length of the longest side. Find the
lengths of the sides.

Answer 1

See below in bold.

Explanation:

Let the length of the shortest side be x, then the longest side = 2x.

Also x + y = 2x + 1 where y = length of the middle side,

Simplifying:

2x - x - y = -1

x - y = -1 (A)

Also as the perimeter = 7:

x + 2x + y = 7

3x + y = 7 (B)

Adding (A) and (B):

4x + 0 = 6

x = 6/4 = 1.5

Plug x = 1.5 into equation B:

3(1.5) + y = 7

y = 7 - 4.5 = 2.5.

Answer:

So the shortest side = 1.5, middle = 2.5 and longest = 2*1.5 = 3.