A quadrilateral (four-sided plane figure) has sides with lengths that are consecutive odd integers. Find the lengths of the sides of the quadrilateral if the perimeter is 104 feet.
2007-10-04 10:08:43 · 3 answers · asked by bollionaire 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
23, 25, 27 and 29
Let x be the length of shortest side. Since x is odd then (x+2) is next odd integer and
x + (x+2) + (x+4) + (x+6) = 104
4x + 12 = 104
x=23
2007-10-04 10:19:36 · answer #1 · answered by language is a virus 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The thing to do with all problems, be they mathematical or otherwise, is to cut away all the irrelevant information, and concentrate on the central issue.
In this case, talk of quadrilaterals and perimeters is the confusing information, introduced for the sole purpose of testing if you can see what is REALLY being asked.
If I state the same problem in an uncluttered way, you will see what I mean: Find 4 consecutive odd numbers that total 104.
Much simpler, yes?
To solve this first find the average value of these numbers, which is simply 104/4=26. Now it is simply a case of deciding which 2 odd numbers are immediately less than 26, and which 2 are immediately greater.
The solution is therefore 23, 25, 27 and 29
2007-10-04 10:28:48 · answer #2 · answered by netruden 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
x+x+2+x+4+x+6 =104
4x + 12 = 104
4x =92
x=23
lengths = 23,25,27,29
2007-10-04 10:17:10 · answer #3 · answered by zp 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋