The equal sides of an isosceles triangle are each 3m less than twice the base. The perimeter is 44m. Find the lengths of the sides.

Question

Introduce a variable expression for each unknown.

Write an equation to solve the problem.

 

Answer 1

What has been 'given'?  The sides, in terms of the base. So let b = the length of the base.

There are two other equal sides, described as 'each 3 m less than twice the base', i.e.

one side = 2b - 3.

 

Perimeter = 2 equal sides + base = 2(2b-3) + b = 44 ⇐ We know the numerical value of perimeter and as an algebraic expression; we solve this equation.

 

Check your answers. Remember this method (or approach). That's what you're supposed to learn to become self-reliant.