Word prob: perimeter of isosceles triangle is 37 cm....

[nickilin]

I am hoping that someone can help me to understand and give me tips on making word problems easier for me. I have never liked them, therefor I HATE them.

This is my problem. No one needs to do it for me, I can do it once it's broken down my problem is I freeze and get stuck.HELP!!

Dimensions of an Isoscles Trianlge: The perimeter of an isosceles triangle (that is, a triangle having two equal sides) is 37cm. The base is 5 cm shorter than each of the other two sides. Find the length of the base.

Any tips so that I don't get stuck would be greatly appreciated! :lol:

 

[Denis]

Just relax and read the problem slowly...

> The base is 5cm shorter then each of the other two sides.
Let x = one of equal sides; then the base = x - 5 : simple nuff?

> The perimeter of an isosceles triangle (2 eq sides) is 37cm.
perimeter = sum of 2 equal sides plus the base = x + x + x-5 : simple, right?
So x + x + x-5 = 37 : ok?

> find the length of the base.
x + x + x-5 = 3x - 5 : agree?
so: 3x - 5 = 37

I'll give you the "thrill" of finishing it!