SOLUTION: The base of an isosceles triangle is 8 in. less than the length of the equal sides. If the perimeter of the triangle is 28 in., find the length of each of the sides.

Algebra ->  Equations -> SOLUTION: The base of an isosceles triangle is 8 in. less than the length of the equal sides. If the perimeter of the triangle is 28 in., find the length of each of the sides.      Log On


   

Question 104731: The base of an isosceles triangle is 8 in. less than the length of the equal sides. If the perimeter of the triangle is 28 in., find the length of each of the sides.
Answer by Fombitz(32388) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Since the triangle is isoceles, you know that two sides have the same length, L.
You also mention that the base, B, is 8 inches shorter than the length and the perimeter is 28 inches.
The perimeter of this triangle is,
P=B%2BL%2BL=28
B%2B2L=28
But you also know that
B=L-8
Use that equation and plug the value for B into the perimeter equation.
B%2B2L=28
%28L-8%29%2B2L=28
3L-8=28
3L-8%2B8=28%2B28 Additive inverse of (-8).
3L=36
3L%2F3=36%2F3 Multiplicative inverse of 3.
L=12
Then use your base equation,
B=L-8
B=12-8
B=4
Your solution is L=12 inches and B=4 inches.