how do you do this question?

Question

A flower bed is in the shape of a triangle with one side twice the length of th shortest side, and the third side is 11 feet more than the length of the shortest side Find the dimensions if the perimeter is 155 feet

Answer 1

Dear Emily,

     Here are the steps to solving this perimeter problem:

                                                                                     2X                        X= length of shortest side

A flower bed is in the shape of a triangle with one side twice the length of the shortest side, and the third

 

3rd side=        X  +11                                                                         Length and width         P=155 feet

 

side  is 11 feet more than the length of the shortest side.  Find the dimensions if the perimeter is 155 feet.

 

 

 X= shortest side,     2X= other side,     and   3rd side=X+11

 

 

1.  Highlight or underline key words and numbers in the story problem.  Then change the words into math symbols.

 

2.  Draw a model or picture of the triangle on a piece of paper.  Make one side the shortest side.  Label it  carefully.

     

 

3.  The perimeter is the distance around the triangle.    You can add up all the sides and have it equal to 155 feet.

 

4.  Write an equation:  2X +X +(X+11) = 155 feet.    Collect terms.  Add your "X's" together.

 

                                   4X  +  11 = 155       Next, solve for "X" by subtracting 11 from both sides of the equal sign.

                                         -11       -11

                                

                                             4X=  144                 Solve for "X" by dividing by the number next to it.

 

                                              X=144/4  = 36  feet     the length of the shortest side

 

5.  You need to find the lengths of the rest of the triangle by substituting your answer for 36 .

 

6.  Don't forget to evaluate your answer by substituting your value for "X" into the first equation on step #4 above. 

 

If you get a sum of 155 on both sides of the equal sign that means that your answer is correct.

 

I hope that I have been helpful.  Please feel free to ask me if you have any further questions.  

 

     

Answer 2

x=length of the shortest side

2x=length of another side

x+11=length of the third side

155=x+2x+x+11

155=4x+11

155-11=4x

144=4x

x=144/4

x=36 feet (one side)

2x=72 feet (second side)

x+11=47 feet (third side)

36+72+47=155