Math 110 word problem

Question

The second side of a triangular deck is 6 feet longer than the shortest side, and the third side is 6 feet shorter than twice the length of the shortest side. If the perimeter of the deck is 72 feet, what are the lengths of the three sides?

Answer 1

let length of shortest side = x

 

so length of second side = x+ 6

 

and length of third side = 2x - 6

 

perimeter = 72

 

x + x+6 + 2x-6 = 72

 

4x = 72

 

x = 18 

 

So

 

length of shortest side = x = 18 feet

so length of second side = x+ 6 = 18+8 =24 feet

and length of third side = 2x - 6 = 2(18) -6 = 36 -6 = 30 feet