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

Answer :

To solve for the value of [tex]\( x \)[/tex] in the given isosceles triangle problem where the perimeter is 7.5 meters and the shortest side [tex]\( y \)[/tex] measures 2.1 meters, follow these steps:

1. Understand the Triangle's Properties:
An isosceles triangle has at least two sides that are equal in length. Let's denote the two equal sides of the triangle as [tex]\( x \)[/tex].

2. Express the Perimeter:
The perimeter of the triangle is the sum of all its sides. So, you can write the equation for the perimeter as:
[tex]\[
x + x + y = 7.5
\][/tex]
Since we know [tex]\( y = 2.1 \)[/tex], substitute this value into the equation:
[tex]\[
x + x + 2.1 = 7.5
\][/tex]
This simplifies to:
[tex]\[
2x + 2.1 = 7.5
\][/tex]

3. Solve for [tex]\( x \)[/tex]:
To find [tex]\( x \)[/tex], you need to isolate it on one side of the equation. Start by subtracting 2.1 from both sides:
[tex]\[
2x = 7.5 - 2.1
\][/tex]
After performing the subtraction:
[tex]\[
2x = 5.4
\][/tex]

Finally, divide both sides by 2 to solve for [tex]\( x \)[/tex]:
[tex]\[
x = \frac{5.4}{2} = 2.7
\][/tex]

So, the value of [tex]\( x \)[/tex] is 2.7 meters. The correct equation used to find [tex]\( x \)[/tex] is:
[tex]\[
2.1 + 2x = 7.5
\][/tex]