could someone please help me to solve this question on my math homework?

Question

The width of a triangle is 1/4 the length. If the perimeter is 100cm, find the width.

I need a step by step procedure.

Answer 1

Width and length might be a little confusing words to use here, so I will assume, based on the perimeter information given, you have a right triangle. The 'short-end' we will call the width and the 'long-end' we will call the length. Again assuming a right triangle, we have the width plus the length PLUS the diagonal side = 100cm. It seems that some information is missing, unless the answer is only to be expressed algebraically as:

L
W = 1/4L
D (which we will call the diagonal side)

You get, L + W + D = 100 cm.
Rewritten, this is:

L + 1/4L + D = 100 cm.

If one rewrites D in terms of the length L, one arrives at:

D = 100 - [1/4L + 4/4L]
D = 100 - [5/4L]

So the equation is this:

L + 1/4L + [100 - 5/4L] = 100

Simplifying this, all of the L's eliminate, and you stand at:

100 = 100 which is a true statement, but it doesn't help you solve for W. This is why I think something more is missing. Rewrite the question in its entirety and I think I can help you.

Answer 2

Is it a 90-degree angle? That is, is it a right triangle? Or, is the length measured from the middle of the bottom of the triangle to the top?
E-mail me, or add more details.

Answer 3

what is width and length? sounds to be the same thing

are you speaking of height and base?