SOLUTION: The perimeter of an equilateral triangle is 7 inches more than the perimeter of a​ square, and the side of the triangle is 5 inches longer than the side of the square. Find t

Algebra ->  Coordinate Systems and Linear Equations  -> Linear Equations and Systems Word Problems -> SOLUTION: The perimeter of an equilateral triangle is 7 inches more than the perimeter of a​ square, and the side of the triangle is 5 inches longer than the side of the square. Find t      Log On


   



Question 1020863: The perimeter of an equilateral triangle is 7 inches more than the perimeter of a​ square, and the side of the triangle is 5 inches longer than the side of the square. Find the side of the triangle.​ (Hint: An equilateral triangle has three sides the same​ length.
Answer by ikleyn(52803) About Me  (Show Source):
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The perimeter of an equilateral triangle is 7 inches more than the perimeter of a​ square, and the side of the triangle is 5 inches longer than the side of the square. Find the side of the triangle.​ (Hint: An equilateral triangle has three sides the same​ length.
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From the condition, you have this system of equations:

3t = 4s + 7,     (1)
 t = s + 5,      (2)

where t = the length of the side of the triangle, s is that of square.

To solve it, simply substitute the expression t = s + 5 of (2) into equation (1). You will get an equation for one single unknown

3*(s+5) = 4s + 7,

which is easy to solve.

s = 15 - 8 = 7.   

Then t = s + 5 = 7 + 5 = 12.