SOLUTION: A banner in the shape of an isosceles triangle has a base that is 5 inches shorter than either of the equal sides. If the perimeter of the banner is 37 inches, then what is the len

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Question 27686: A banner in the shape of an isosceles triangle has a base that is 5 inches shorter than either of the equal sides. If the perimeter of the banner is 37 inches, then what is the length of the equal sides?

Answer by Earlsdon(6294) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let the length of one of the equal sides be x, then the length of the base is x-5. Now you can write the equation for the perimeter (P = 37") of the isosceles triangle.
x+%2B+x+%2B+%28x-5%29+=+37 Simplify and solve for x.
3x-5+=+37 Add 5 to both sides of the equation.
3x+=+42 Divide both sides by 3.
x+=+14inches.