SOLUTION: Write a possible ratio for the sides of an (isosceles) triangle if its perimeter is 42 inches.

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Question 832125: Write a possible ratio for the sides of an (isosceles) triangle if its perimeter is 42 inches.

Answer by math-vortex(648)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Hi, there--

THE PROBLEM:
Write a possible ratio for the sides of an (isosceles) triangle if its perimeter is 42 inches.

A SOLUTION:
There are many correct answers to this problem. An isosceles triangle has two sides of equal length. 
These are sometimes called the legs. The third side may be of any length, and is called the base.

The perimeter of the triangle is 42 inches. Suppose the base is 4 inches in length.
Then the sum of the lengths of the two legs is 42-4= 38 inches.

The legs are equal in length, so each one measures 38/2 = 19 inches.

We can represent this by the ratio 19 : 19 : 4

Any combination where at least two sides are equal in length, with the total length of the three sides 42 
inches will work.


Hope this helps! Feel free to email if you have any questions about the solution.

Good luck with your math,

Mrs. F
math.in.the.vortex@gmail.com

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