SOLUTION: the longest side of a triangle is twice the length of the shortest side.The third side is four inches shorter than the longest side. Find the lengths of the sides of the triangle i

Question 666198: the longest side of a triangle is twice the length of the shortest side.The third side is four inches shorter than the longest side. Find the lengths of the sides of the triangle if the perimeter is 96 inches. Can you please help me write an equation for this problem.
Found 2 solutions by swincher4391, ReadingBoosters:
Answer by swincher4391(1107) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let a,b,c be the sides in increasing length.
a+b+c = 96 since the perimeter is 96.
c = 2a
and b = c-4
a = c/2
b = c-4
c = c
c/2 + c-4 + c = 96
c + 2c-8 +2c = 192 (getting rid of the fraction)
5c -8 = 192
5c = 200
c = 40
a = c/2 so a = 20
b = c-4 so c = 36

The sides are 20,36,40, which if you notice add up to 96.
Answer by ReadingBoosters(3246) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Establish variables
x = longest side
y = shorest side
z = other side
...
Given
x = 2y
z = x-4
x+y+z = 96
...
Substitute into the perimeter equation
x + + x-4 = 96
Solve for x the longest side
Multiply the entire equation by 2 to be rid of the fraction
2x + x + 2x - 8 = 192
5x = 192 + 8
5x = 200
in
...
Using x
y = = longest side
...
Using x
z = x-4 = other side
.....................
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