Question

In an isosceles triangle, the length of equal sides exceeds that of the base by 4.5cm. The perimeter of the triangle is334.5cm. Find the sides of the triangle.

Answer 1

SOLUTION:

GIVEN:

1. The triangle is isosceles.
2. Two of its angles are equal and are 4.5 cm longer than the base.
3. The perimeter is equal to 334.5 cm.

So, if the base is x cm, then other 2 equal sides will be x+4.5 respectively and their sum will be 334.5.


(x)+(x+4.5)+(x+4.5)=334.5.

x+x+4.5+x+4.5=334.5.
3x+9=334.5.

Transposing 9 to RHS:

3x=334.5-9.
3x=325.5.

Transposing 3 to RHS:

x=325.5/3.
x=108.5 cm.

x+4.5=108.5+4.5=113 cm.

Therefore, the base is 108.5 cm and the 2 equal sides are 113 cm.