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

Answer :

To solve the problem of finding the value of [tex]\( x \)[/tex], we need to understand the structure of the given isosceles triangle:

1. Understand the Triangle: Given isosceles triangle has two equal sides, and one of them is the shortest side [tex]\( y = 2.1 \, \text{m} \)[/tex].

2. Perimeter: The perimeter of the triangle is the sum of all three sides, and it is given as [tex]\( 7.5 \, \text{m} \)[/tex].

3. Setting Up the Equation: In an isosceles triangle, let the two equal sides each be [tex]\( x \)[/tex]. Since the triangle is isosceles, it makes sense that the two longer sides are equal.

Now, the equation for the perimeter is:
[tex]\[ y + 2x = 7.5 \][/tex]

Substitute [tex]\( y = 2.1 \, \text{m} \)[/tex] into the equation:
[tex]\[ 2.1 + 2x = 7.5 \][/tex]

This is the correct equation that models the situation.

4. Finding [tex]\( x \)[/tex]: Solve for [tex]\( x \)[/tex] by isolating it in the equation:
[tex]\[
2x = 7.5 - 2.1
\][/tex]

[tex]\[
2x = 5.4
\][/tex]

Divide both sides by 2:
[tex]\[
x = \frac{5.4}{2} = 2.7
\][/tex]

Therefore, the correct equation to find [tex]\( x \)[/tex] is [tex]\( 2.1 + 2x = 7.5 \)[/tex], and [tex]\( x \)[/tex] evaluates to [tex]\( 2.7 \, \text{m} \)[/tex].