Calculate the Perimeter: Isosceles Triangle with Sides 6 and Base 4

Perimeter Calculation with Equal Sides

Look at the isosceles triangle below:

444666

What is its perimeter?

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Calculate the triangle's perimeter
00:03 The triangle is isosceles according to the given data
00:07 Perimeter equals the sum of the triangle's sides
00:11 Substitute in the relevant values and solve
00:14 This is the solution

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Look at the isosceles triangle below:

444666

What is its perimeter?

2

Step-by-step solution

Since we are referring to an isosceles triangle, the two legs are equal to each other.

In the drawing, they give us the base which is equal to 4 and one side is equal to 6, therefore the other side is also equal to 6.

The perimeter of the triangle is equal to the sum of the sides and therefore:

6+6+4=12+4=16 6+6+4=12+4=16

3

Final Answer

16

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Isosceles Property: Two sides are always equal in length
  • Technique: Add all three sides: 6 + 6 + 4 = 16
  • Check: Count sides correctly - two equal sides plus base ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Forgetting the second equal side
    Don't calculate 6 + 4 = 10 by using only one equal side! This ignores the isosceles property where TWO sides are 6 units each. Always identify and include both equal sides in your perimeter calculation.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

In a right triangle, the side opposite the right angle is called....?

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

What does isosceles mean exactly?

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An isosceles triangle has exactly two sides of equal length. The third side (called the base) can be different. In this problem, the two equal sides are both 6 units long.

How do I know which sides are equal?

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Look for matching labels or tick marks on the diagram. Here, one side is labeled "6" so the unmarked side must also be 6. The base is clearly labeled "4".

Is perimeter always just adding the sides?

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Yes! Perimeter means the distance around the outside of any shape. For triangles, simply add all three side lengths together: side1+side2+side3 side_1 + side_2 + side_3

What if I accidentally use 6 + 4 + 4 instead?

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That would give you 14, which is incorrect. You're mixing up which sides are equal! Remember: in this triangle, the two slanted sides are equal (both 6), and the base is different (4).

Can I double-check my answer?

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Absolutely! Make sure you have exactly three numbers in your addition: the two equal sides (6 + 6) plus the base (4). Total: 6+6+4=16 6 + 6 + 4 = 16

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