SOLUTION: a triangle has a side of length x. the second side of the triangle is 2 inches longer than the first side. the third side is 4 inches longer than the first side. the square of the

Algebra ->  Pythagorean-theorem -> SOLUTION: a triangle has a side of length x. the second side of the triangle is 2 inches longer than the first side. the third side is 4 inches longer than the first side. the square of the      Log On


   

Question 207771This question is from textbook algebra 1 an integrated approach
: a triangle has a side of length x. the second side of the triangle is 2 inches longer than the first side. the third side is 4 inches longer than the first side. the square of the first side plus the square of the second side is equal to the square of the third side. what is the length of each side of the triangle? use the five step method. This question is from textbook algebra 1 an integrated approach

Answer by rapaljer(4671) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
I'm not exactly sure what your "5 step method" is, but MY "5 step method is this:

STEP 1: Identify the variable.

Let x = first side
x+2 = second side
x+4 = third side

STEP 2: Write the equation.

x%5E2+%2B+%28x%2B2%29%5E2+=+%28x%2B4%29%5E2


STEP 3: Solve the equation.

x%5E2+%2B+x%5E2+%2B+4x+%2B+4+=+x%5E2+%2B+8x%2B16

Set the equation equal to zero:
x%5E2+%2B+x%5E2+%2B+4x+%2B+4+-+x%5E2+-+8x+-16=0
x%5E2+-4x+-12=+0+

This factors into
(x-6)(x+2)=0
x=6 or x= -2

STEP 4: Answer the question.
Reject the negative value since x is a side of a triangle.

x=6
x+2=8
x+4=10

STEP 5: Check.
You can do this.

Let me know if MY five step rule is the same as YOUR 5 step rule.

R^2

Dr. Robert J. Rapalje
Seminole State College
Altamonte Springs Campus
Florida