SOLUTION: Could someone please help me try and solve this problem or point me in the correct direction on how to solve it. I am struggling with my last two math problems for homework. THANK

Algebra ->  Quadratic Equations and Parabolas  -> Quadratic Equation Customizable Word Problems -> SOLUTION: Could someone please help me try and solve this problem or point me in the correct direction on how to solve it. I am struggling with my last two math problems for homework. THANK      Log On


   



Question 53435: Could someone please help me try and solve this problem or point me in the correct direction on how to solve it. I am struggling with my last two math problems for homework. THANK YOU!
Here is the question.
Make a diagram to represent each situation. Then define a variable
The lengths of the sides of quadrilaterals are consecutive even integers. Twice the length of the shortest side plus the length of the longest side is 120 inches. Find lengths of all sides.



Answer by Earlsdon(6294) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let the variable be x and this is the length of the shortest side.
Quadrilaterals have four sides so the sides are:
x, x+2, x+4, and x+6
Twice the length of the shortest side (2x) plus (+) the length of the longest side (x+6) is (=) 120. Write the equation:
2x+(x+6) = 120 Simplify and solve for x.
3x+6 = 120 Subtract 6 from both sides of the equation.
3x = 114 Divide both sides by 3.
x =38
The lengths of the sides of the quadrilateral are:
38, 40, 42, and 44
The problem did not specify that the quadrilater was a rectangle so this is the answer.
I'll leave the diagram to you.