Question

In the isosceles triangle, find a and b if you knew the perimeter was 20x+35

Answer 1

Answer:

a=8

b=17

Step-by-step explanation:

Isoceles means we will have 2 congruent sides in this triangle.

So it appears we are to assume it is sitting on its base which means that other side has measurement ax+9 as well

So we have the sum of the 3 sides is the perimeter.

That means we have the equation:

(ax+9)+(ax+9)+(4x+b)=20x+35

Combine like terms:

(a+a+4)x+(9+9+b)=20x+35

(2a+4)x+(18+b)=20x+35

This implies 2a+4=20 and 18+b=35.

2a+4=20

Subtract 4 on both sides:

2a=16

Divide both sides by 2:

a=8

18+b=35

Subtract 18 on both sides:

b=17

So a=8 and b=17.