SOLUTION: triangle yzx given has 3 congruent angles 60 degrees top leg = 8. another leg = 3x-y, last leg is x + 3y + 2. find x and y. This is section 4.4 masters level b p.71 using triangle

Algebra ->  Triangles -> SOLUTION: triangle yzx given has 3 congruent angles 60 degrees top leg = 8. another leg = 3x-y, last leg is x + 3y + 2. find x and y. This is section 4.4 masters level b p.71 using triangle      Log On


   

Question 227055: triangle yzx given has 3 congruent angles 60 degrees top leg = 8. another leg = 3x-y, last leg is x + 3y + 2. find x and y. This is section 4.4 masters level b p.71 using triangle congruence holt 2004 problem 5. I have the answer which is x = 3 y = 1 but have no idea how they get there and I have to teach my son. Thanks for any help in understanding its been 30 something years.
Answer by scott8148(6628) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
the triangle has three equal angles, so it also has three equal sides

8 = 3x + y = x + 3y + 2

3x + y = 8 ___ y = 8 - 3x

x + 3y + 2 = 8 ___ x + 3y = 6

substituting ___ x + 3(8 - 3x) = 6 ___ x + 24 - 9x = 6

24 - 8x = 6 ___ 18 = 8x ___ 9/4 = x

substituting ___ y = 8 - 3(9/4) = 5/4