the second side of a triangular deck is 5 feet longer than the shortest side, and the third side is 5 feet shorter than twice the length of the shortest side. If the perimeter of the deck is 64 feet, what are the lengths of the three sides

first (shortest) side = x

second side = x + 5

third side = 2x - 5

the perimeter = 64 ft and is equal x + (x + 5) + (2x - 5)

x + x + 5 + 2x - 5 = 64

4x = 64 |:4

x = 16 ft

x + 5 = 16 + 5 = 21 ft

2x - 5 = 2 (16) - 5 = 27 ft

Answer: 16ft, 21ft and 27ft.