SOLUTION: In a the equilateral triangle base is 12 sides are 5x-y and x + y what is the value of x?
(A) 4 (B) 5 (C) 6 (D) 7 (E) 8
Algebra ->
Triangles
-> SOLUTION: In a the equilateral triangle base is 12 sides are 5x-y and x + y what is the value of x?
(A) 4 (B) 5 (C) 6 (D) 7 (E) 8
Log On
You can put this solution on YOUR website! Test tip: when you are given multiple choice answers, it is often quicker to work backwards from the answers than it is to do the math.
Let's setup the math first.
You know that an equalateral trinangle has 3 equal length sides. In this case, those sides are 12.
So use elimination and add these two
-----------------
If x = 4 then y = 8
Not too bad doing the math this time.
But in the case where the math takes more steps, one could just plug and play
Try answer A.
if x was 4, then y is 12-4 = 8
does 5*4 - 8 = 12?
Yes, so there you go
Answer A
This second way limits the algebra you need to do. And during a test, it may be a qucker way as well.
Your milage may vary
(