College

The isosceles triangle has a perimeter of 7.5 m. Which equation can be used to find the value of [tex]x[/tex] if the shortest side, [tex]y[/tex], measures 2.1 m?

A. [tex]2x - 2.1 = 7.5[/tex]
B. [tex]4.2 + y = 7.5[/tex]
C. [tex]y - 4.2 = 7.5[/tex]
D. [tex]2.1 + 2x = 7.5[/tex]

Answer :

To solve this problem, we need to set up an equation based on the information about the isosceles triangle:

1. Understanding the Triangle:
- An isosceles triangle has two equal sides. Let's call these sides "x".
- The shortest side, given as the base, measures 2.1 meters.

2. Perimeter of the Triangle:
- The perimeter of the triangle is the sum of all its sides.
- The perimeter is given as 7.5 meters.

3. Setting up the Equation:
- The formula for the perimeter of the isosceles triangle is:
[tex]\[
\text{Perimeter} = x + x + y
\][/tex]
- Substitute the known values into the formula, with [tex]\( y = 2.1 \)[/tex]:
[tex]\[
x + x + 2.1 = 7.5
\][/tex]
- Simplify the equation:
[tex]\[
2x + 2.1 = 7.5
\][/tex]

So, the correct equation to use to find the value of [tex]\( x \)[/tex] is:
[tex]\[ 2.1 + 2x = 7.5 \][/tex]