SOLUTION: Side b of a triangle is twice as long as side c. Side a is three meters longer than side b. The perimeter is forty-eight meters long. Find the length of each side. How do I set

Algebra ->  Coordinate Systems and Linear Equations  -> Linear Equations and Systems Word Problems -> SOLUTION: Side b of a triangle is twice as long as side c. Side a is three meters longer than side b. The perimeter is forty-eight meters long. Find the length of each side. How do I set       Log On


   

Question 861069: Side b of a triangle is twice as long as side c. Side a is three meters longer than side b. The perimeter is forty-eight meters long. Find the length of each side.
How do I set up the equations to solve?
Answer by josgarithmetic(39625) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
a, b, c, the side lengths of the triangle.
Translate the description:
b=2c;
a=3+b;
a+b+c=48.

Notice the first two equations both use b. Suggestion is solve c in terms of b and solve a in terms of b (that one already given), and substitute into the perimeter equation. Now you can solve for the value of b. Solve then for the other two sides.