SOLUTION: The base of an isosceles triangle is 12 in. less than the length of the equal sides. If the perimeter of the triangle is 39 in., find the length of each of the sides.

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Question 72518: The base of an isosceles triangle is 12 in. less than the length of the equal sides. If the perimeter of the triangle is 39 in., find the length of each of the sides.
Answer by Edwin McCravy(20060) About Me  (Show Source):
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The base of an isosceles triangle is 12 in. less than the length of the equal sides. If the perimeter of the triangle is 39 in., find the length of each of the sides.

Let x = the length of each of the two equal sides

The base is 12 inches less or x-12


          /\
         /  \
       x/    \x
       /      \
      /________\
         x-12

left side + right side + base = perimeter

                 x + x + x-12 = 39
                      3x - 12 = 39
                           3x = 51
                            x = 17

The two equal sides are 17 inches each
The base is x-12 or 17-12 or 5 inches.

Edwin