Question

the lengths (in inches) of two sides of a regular pentagon are represented by the expressions 5x-27 and 2x-6. find the length of a side of the pentagon

Answer 1

Since the pentagon is regular, the sides are all of equal length. This tells you

... 5x-27 = 2x-6

... 3x = 21 . . . . . . . add 27-2x

... x = 7

The length of a side can be found by subtituting this value into either expression.

... 2·7-6 = 8 . . . . inches