SOLUTION: the perimeter of a triangle is 79.75 inches. The second side is half as big as the first. the third side is 7.25 inches greater than the first. What is the length of the longest si

Algebra ->  Triangles -> SOLUTION: the perimeter of a triangle is 79.75 inches. The second side is half as big as the first. the third side is 7.25 inches greater than the first. What is the length of the longest si      Log On


   

Question 1057240: the perimeter of a triangle is 79.75 inches. The second side is half as big as the first. the third side is 7.25 inches greater than the first. What is the length of the longest side of the triangle?
Answer by solve_for_x(190) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let x represent the length of the first side.

The second side is half as long as the first, or x/2.

The third side is 7.25 inches longer than the first, or x + 7.25

The sum of all three sides must be equal to the perimeter, or 79.75 inches. This gives:

x + (x/2) + (x + 7.25) = 79.75

x + 0.5x + x + 7.25 = 79.75

2.5x + 7.25 = 79.75

Subtracting 7.25 from both sides leaves:

2.5x = 72.5

Dividing by 2.5 then gives:

x = 29

From here, you can substitute x = 29 into the expressions for the second and third side to find their lengths.