Question

a puzzle piece in the shape of a triangle has perimeter 21 centimeters. two sides of the triangle are each three times as long as the shortest side. find the length of the shortest side. the length of the shortest side is cm. (type a whole number.)

Explanation:

Step1: Let the shortest side be $x$.

Let the length of the shortest side of the triangle be $x$ cm. Then the other two sides are each $3x$ cm.

Step2: Set up the perimeter equation.

The perimeter of a triangle is the sum of the lengths of its sides. So $x + 3x+3x=21$.

Step3: Combine like - terms.

Combining the $x$ terms on the left - hand side gives $7x = 21$.

Step4: Solve for $x$.

Dividing both sides of the equation $7x = 21$ by 7, we get $x=\frac{21}{7}=3$.

Answer:

3