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]x + y - 4.2 = 7.5[/tex]

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

Answer :

To solve the problem, we need to set up an equation to find the value of [tex]\( x \)[/tex], which represents one of the equal sides of the isosceles triangle.

We're given:
- The perimeter of the triangle is [tex]\( 7.5 \)[/tex] meters.
- The shortest side, [tex]\( y \)[/tex], is [tex]\( 2.1 \)[/tex] meters.

In an isosceles triangle, there are two equal sides. Therefore, if we let the equal sides each be [tex]\( x \)[/tex], then the sides of the triangle are [tex]\( x \)[/tex], [tex]\( x \)[/tex], and [tex]\( y \)[/tex] (where [tex]\( y = 2.1 \)[/tex]).

The formula for the perimeter is:

[tex]\[ \text{Perimeter} = x + x + y = 2x + y \][/tex]

Since the perimeter is [tex]\( 7.5 \)[/tex] meters, we can substitute the given values into the formula:

[tex]\[ 2x + 2.1 = 7.5 \][/tex]

This equation allows us to find the value of [tex]\( x \)[/tex].

Therefore, the correct equation from the list provided to solve for [tex]\( x \)[/tex] is:

[tex]\[ 2.1 + 2x = 7.5 \][/tex]