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]

Answer :

To solve this problem, we need to determine which equation can be used to find the value of [tex]\( x \)[/tex], which represents the length of each of the two equal sides of the isosceles triangle.

Here's the step-by-step explanation:

1. Understand the Problem:
- We have an isosceles triangle, which means it has two sides of equal length. Let's denote these sides each as [tex]\( x \)[/tex].
- The shortest side of the triangle is given as [tex]\( y = 2.1 \)[/tex] meters.
- The perimeter of the triangle is the sum of all its sides and is given as [tex]\( 7.5 \)[/tex] meters.

2. Express the Perimeter:
- The perimeter of the triangle is composed of the two equal sides plus the shortest side. Therefore, the expression for the perimeter is:
[tex]\[
\text{Perimeter} = x + x + y = 2x + y
\][/tex]

3. Set Up the Equation:
- Since we know the perimeter is 7.5 meters, we can set up the equation:
[tex]\[
2x + y = 7.5
\][/tex]

4. Substitute the Known Value:
- We know [tex]\( y = 2.1 \)[/tex] meters, so substitute [tex]\( y \)[/tex] into the equation:
[tex]\[
2x + 2.1 = 7.5
\][/tex]

5. Solve for [tex]\( x \)[/tex]:
- Rearrange the equation to solve for [tex]\( x \)[/tex]:
[tex]\[
2x = 7.5 - 2.1
\][/tex]

6. Calculate:
- Calculate the right-hand side:
[tex]\[
2x = 5.4
\][/tex]
- Divide by 2 to solve for [tex]\( x \)[/tex]:
[tex]\[
x = 2.7
\][/tex]

Therefore, the equation that can be used to find [tex]\( x \)[/tex] is [tex]\( 2x + 2.1 = 7.5 \)[/tex]. The length of each of the equal sides, [tex]\( x \)[/tex], is 2.7 meters.