The perimeter of a triangle is 65 in. The longest side is 14 in. longer than the medium​ side, and the medium side is 6 in. more than the shortest side. Find the length of each side of the triangle.

1 answer

l = the longest side

m = the medium side

s = the shortest side

The longest side is 14 in longer than the medium​ side means:

l = m + 14

The medium side is 6 in more than the shortest side means:

m = s + 6

Replace this value in equation:

l = m + 14

l = s + 6 + 14

l = s + 20

The perimeter:

P = s + m + l = 65

s + s + 6 + s + 20 = 65

3 s + 26 = 65

Subtract 26 to both sides

3 s = 39

Divide both sides by 3

s = 13 in

m = s + 6 = 13 + 6 = 19 in

l = s + 20 = 13 + 20 = 33 in

the longest side = 33 in

the medium side = 19 in

the shortest side = 13 in

The perimeter:

P = s + m + l = 13 + 19 + 33 = 65 in