Question

Could someone explain how to set this problem up as an algebraic equation:

The sides of a triangle are in the ratio 5:12:13. What is the length of each side of the triangle if the perimeter of the triangle is 15 inches?

Answer 1

5x ,12x and 13x are the sides of the triangle
Perimeter of triangle is sum of sides of triangle
5x +12x +13x = 15 inches
30x = 15 inches
x = 15/30 = 1/2 = 0.5 inch
5x = 5*0.5 = 2.5 inches
13x = 13*0.5 = 6.5 inchers
12x = 12*0.5 = 6 inches

Answer 2

5:12:13, P=30 : /2

5/2 : 6 :13/2, P=15

Answer 3

since the ration never changes; all the measures have to be scaled together to keep it the same; like fractions

Answer 4

I did the check of your answer Rita: (Because I'm absolutely clueless with word problems and have to learn them step by step.)

5x = 5*0.5 = 2.5
13x = 13*0.5 = 6.5
12x = 12*0.5 = 6

2.5+6.5+6=15

It adds up. Thanks. =)

Someone tried to get me to do it the way you did Amistre, but I think it's easier for me to do it the way Rita suggested. Thanks a ton though for the reply. =)

Answer 5

its all good ;)