A triangle has a perimeter of
53
inches. The medium side is
4
more than the short side, and the longest side is
5
times the length of the shortest side. Find the shortest side.

The smallest side is 7inches

Step-by-step explanation:

Let the shorter side be y.

The medium side is 4 more than the short side i.e

Meduim side = 4 + y

The longest side is 5 times the length of the shortest side i.e

Logest side = 5y.

Perimeter of the triangle = 53 inches

But the perimeter of a triangle is the Sum of all sides i.e

P = small + medium + large

53 = y + (4+y) + 5y

53 = y + 4 + y + 5y

Collect like terms

53 — 4 = 7y

49 = 7y

Divide both side by 7

y = 49/7

y = 7inches

Therefore the smallest side is 7inches

a. is correct