Question

The first side of a triangle measures 5 in. less than the second side, the third side is 3 in. more than the first side, and the perimeter is 17 in. Set up an equation that relates the sides of the triangles in terms of the perimeter of the triangle.

Answer 1

1st side = x
2nd side = y
3rd side = z

x = y -5  or y = x + 5
z = x +3 or x = z -3

x + y + z = 17

x + (x +5) + (x +3) = 17

3x = 9

x = 3
y = 8
z = 6