Question

I have a triangular garden such that the largest side is 6 ft less than twice the smallest and medium side is 5 ft larger than the smallest side. If the total perimeter of the garden is 47 ft, what are the lengths of the three sides

Answer 1

largest l, smallest s, medium m:
l = 2s - 6
m = 5 + s
perimeter = l + m + s = 47
l + m + s = 47
therefore:
(2s - 6) + (5 + s) + s = 47
4s = 48
s = 12
substituting:
l = 2s - 6 = 2(12) - 6
l = 18
m = 5 + s = 5 + 12
m = 17
the sides are 12ft, 17ft and 18ft