| The first side of a triangle is 2 inches shorter than the second side. The third side is 5 inches longer than the second. If the perimeter is 33 inches, how long is each side. |
Let F=FIRST Let S=SECOND Let T=THIRD Given F=S-2 Given T=S+5 Given P=33 Given P=F+S+T 33=F+S+T // Substitute 33 for P in P=F+S+T F=S-2 Comment: Substitute S+5 for T in 33=F+S+T 33=(S-2)+S+(S+5) Comment: Substitute S-2 for F in 33=F+S+(S+5) Step S=10 Comment Simplify Solution S=10 // Solution F=8 Substitute S=10 into F=S-2 Solution T=15 Substitute S=10 into T=S+5 End |