SOLUTION: Perimeter of a triangle. The perimeter of the triangle shown in the accompanying figure is 12 meters. Determine the values of x,x + 1, and x + 2 by solving the equation. x + (x +

Algebra ->  Coordinate Systems and Linear Equations  -> Linear Equations and Systems Word Problems -> SOLUTION: Perimeter of a triangle. The perimeter of the triangle shown in the accompanying figure is 12 meters. Determine the values of x,x + 1, and x + 2 by solving the equation. x + (x +      Log On


   

Question 118640: Perimeter of a triangle. The perimeter of the triangle shown in the accompanying figure is 12 meters. Determine the values of x,x + 1, and x + 2 by solving the equation. x + (x + 1) + (x + 2) = 12
Please show the break down so I can work future word problems.
Thank you
Found 2 solutions by jim_thompson5910, ilana:
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
x%2Bx%2B1%2Bx%2B2=12 Start with the given equation



3x%2B3=12 Combine like terms on the left side


3x=12-3Subtract 3 from both sides


3x=9 Combine like terms on the right side


x=%289%29%2F%283%29 Divide both sides by 3 to isolate x



x=3 Divide

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Answer:
So our answer is x=3




Now let's find the length of x%2B1:


x%2B1 Start with the given expression

3%2B1 Plug in x=3


4 Add

So x%2B1=4



Now let's find the length of x%2B2:

x%2B2 Start with the given expression

3%2B2 Plug in x=3


5 Add

So x%2B2=5



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So the three lengths are 3,4, and 5



Check:

notice if we add 3, 4, and 5 we get:

3+4+5=12

So this verifies our answer.

Answer by ilana(307) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
I think the problem has already been broken down for you. From what I understand, you have a triangle with side lengths x, x+1, x+2. What's important to remember is that those sides do have lengths, we just don't know them. But someone who does added them up to get a perimeter of 12. Now we want to see what numbers they added to get that. We know that x+(x+1)=2x+1, and (2x+1)+(x+2)=3x+3. So the perimeter of this triangle is 3x+3. But wait! We were told the perimeter is 12! That means 3x+3=12. Now solve for x: 3x=9, x=3. So the side lengths are actually x=3, x+1=4, x+2=5. Notice, 3+4+5=12.
In general, you need to connect all of the information you are given and figure out the missing piece that joins them together. Here, you had side lengths in terms of x and a number for the perimeter. You needed to find what x makes that perimeter true. Good luck!