One side of a triangle is three times the shortest side. The third side is 7 feet more than the shortest side. The perimeter is 62 feet. Find all three sides

Question

How do i set up the formula? 

Answer 1

shortest side = a

2nd side = 3a

3rd side = a+7

 

a+3a+a+7 =62

5a +7 =62

5a =55

a= 11

 

shortest side = a = 11ft
2nd side = 3a = 3(11)=33 ft
3rd side = a+7 = 11+7=18ft

Answer 2

Since a triangle has 3 sides, label the three sides with the shortest side = a. Call the side that is three times the shortest side b. Call the side that is 7 feet more than the shortest side c.

 

You should know that the perimeter is the sum of all the sides of the triangle = a + b + c. Since you know the relationship between a and b ( b is three times a), you can get b in terms of a (b = ?). You can do the same for c (c is seven feet more than a). You can then use the perimeter formula to calculate a and then b and c.