An isosceles triangle has legs that are each x inches long a base that is y inches long. The perimeter of this triangle is 38 inches. The base is 8 inches shorter than the length of a leg.

Answer 1

2x + y = 38 -----> y = 38-2x

the base is 8 inches shorter than the length of a leg
y = x-8

x-8 = 38-2x
3x = 46
x = 46/3 inches
then y = 38 - 92/3 = 22/3 inches

check:
perimeter = 2x+y = 92/3+22/3 = 38
difference between leg and base
= 46/3 - 22/3 = 8