document.write( "Question 104731: The base of an isosceles triangle is 8 in. less than the length of the equal sides. If the perimeter of the triangle is 28 in., find the length of each of the sides. \n" ); document.write( "

Algebra.Com's Answer #76217 by Fombitz(32388) $\"\"$ $\"About$

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Since the triangle is isoceles, you know that two sides have the same length, L.
\n" ); document.write( "You also mention that the base, B, is 8 inches shorter than the length and the perimeter is 28 inches.
\n" ); document.write( "The perimeter of this triangle is,
\n" ); document.write( " $\"P=B%2BL%2BL=28\"$
\n" ); document.write( " $\"B%2B2L=28\"$
\n" ); document.write( "But you also know that
\n" ); document.write( " $\"B=L-8\"$
\n" ); document.write( "Use that equation and plug the value for B into the perimeter equation.
\n" ); document.write( " $\"B%2B2L=28\"$
\n" ); document.write( " $\"%28L-8%29%2B2L=28\"$
\n" ); document.write( " $\"3L-8=28\"$
\n" ); document.write( " $\"3L-8%2B8=28%2B28\"$ Additive inverse of (-8).
\n" ); document.write( " $\"3L=36\"$
\n" ); document.write( " $\"3L%2F3=36%2F3\"$ Multiplicative inverse of 3.
\n" ); document.write( " $\"L=12\"$
\n" ); document.write( "Then use your base equation,
\n" ); document.write( " $\"B=L-8\"$
\n" ); document.write( " $\"B=12-8\"$
\n" ); document.write( " $\"B=4\"$
\n" ); document.write( "Your solution is L=12 inches and B=4 inches. \n" ); document.write( "

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