Math Problem Statement

The measure of two sides of a triangle is x^2 + 2x. If the perimeter is 4x^2 + x, what is the measure of the third side?

Solution

The problem states that two sides of a triangle measure x2+2xx^2 + 2x, and the perimeter of the triangle is 4x2+x4x^2 + x. We need to find the measure of the third side.

Let's call the third side S3S_3.

The perimeter of a triangle is the sum of the lengths of all three sides. Therefore, we can write the equation for the perimeter as:

P=Side 1+Side 2+Side 3P = \text{Side 1} + \text{Side 2} + \text{Side 3}

Substituting the given values:

4x2+x=(x2+2x)+(x2+2x)+S34x^2 + x = (x^2 + 2x) + (x^2 + 2x) + S_3

Simplifying the terms:

4x2+x=2(x2+2x)+S34x^2 + x = 2(x^2 + 2x) + S_3

4x2+x=2x2+4x+S34x^2 + x = 2x^2 + 4x + S_3

Now, isolate S3S_3 by subtracting 2x2+4x2x^2 + 4x from both sides:

S3=4x2+x2x24xS_3 = 4x^2 + x - 2x^2 - 4x

Simplify:

S3=(4x22x2)+(x4x)S_3 = (4x^2 - 2x^2) + (x - 4x)

S3=2x23xS_3 = 2x^2 - 3x

Thus, the measure of the third side is:

S3=2x23xS_3 = 2x^2 - 3x

Let me know if you need any additional details!

Here are five related questions:

  1. How would the problem change if one of the sides was a constant instead of a quadratic expression?
  2. What happens to the third side if xx is negative?
  3. Can we determine the type of triangle (scalene, isosceles, etc.) from the given information?
  4. How would the solution change if the perimeter was given as a different polynomial expression?
  5. Could we solve this problem graphically by plotting the sides?

Tip: When solving for unknowns in geometric problems, carefully label and organize all known quantities to avoid confusion!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Quadratic Equations
Perimeter of Triangles

Formulas

Perimeter formula for triangles: P = a + b + c
Simplification of polynomials

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10