SOLUTION: The second side of a triangle deck is 5 feet longer than the shortest side and a third side that is 5 feet shorter than twice the length of the shortest side. If the perimeter of t

Algebra ->  Finance -> SOLUTION: The second side of a triangle deck is 5 feet longer than the shortest side and a third side that is 5 feet shorter than twice the length of the shortest side. If the perimeter of t      Log On


   

Question 1070755: The second side of a triangle deck is 5 feet longer than the shortest side and a third side that is 5 feet shorter than twice the length of the shortest side. If the perimeter of the deck is 5 feet , what are the lengths of the three sides?
Thank you for the help!
Answer by josmiceli(19441) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let +s+ = the length of the shortest side
+s+%2B+5+ = the length of the 2nd side
+2s+-+5+ = the length of the 3rd side
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given:
+s+%2B+s+%2B+5+%2B+2s+-+5+=+5+
+4s+=+5+
+s+=+5%2F4+
+s+=+1.25+ ft
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The sides are:
+1.25+ ft
+s+%2B+5+=+6.25+ ft
+2s+-+5+=+2%2A1.25+-+5+
+2s+-+5+=+-2.5+
I end up with a negative length for the 3rd side
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Are you sure the perimeter is only 5 ft?
That would make it a TINY deck no matter
what the lengths of the sides are!