The perimeter of a triangle is 24 inches. The longest side of 4 inches is longer than the shortest side, and the shortest side is three-fourths the length of the middle side. How do you find the length of each side of the triangle?

2 Answers
Anthony X
Feb 24, 2016

Well this problem is simply impossible.

If the longest side is 4 inches, there is no way that the perimeter of a triangle can be 24 inches.

You are saying that 4 + (something less than 4) + (something less than 4) = 24, which is impossible.

Roella W.
Feb 24, 2016

The sides are #6# inches, #8# inches and #10# inches

Explanation:

I'd suggest that the question should read 'The perimeter of a triangle is 24 inches. The longest side is 4 inches longer than the shortest side, and the shortest side is three-fourths the length of the middle side. How do you find the length of each side of the triangle?'

In this case the question can be answered. If #x# is the length of the middle side, then the shortest side is #3/4x# and the longest side is #3/4x +4#

#x +3/4x + 3/4x+4 = 24#

#10/4x =20#
#x = 8#

Then the shortest side is #6# and the longest side is #10#

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