Find Side Length AC in Parallelogram: Using Perimeter = 20 and AB = 5

Parallelogram Perimeter with Variable Expressions

A parallelogram is shown below.

AB = 5

AC = 2X

The perimeter of the parallelogram is 20.

AAABBBDDDCCC52X

Calculate the length of side AC.

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Find AC
00:03 Opposite sides are equal in parallelograms
00:11 They are also a pair of opposite sides therefore equal
00:22 The perimeter of the parallelogram equals the sum of its sides
00:37 Let's substitute appropriate values and solve for X
00:51 Let's isolate X
01:01 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

A parallelogram is shown below.

AB = 5

AC = 2X

The perimeter of the parallelogram is 20.

AAABBBDDDCCC52X

Calculate the length of side AC.

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Use the formula for the perimeter of a parallelogram.
  • Step 2: Set up the equation using the given information.
  • Step 3: Solve for XX and find the length of AC.

Now, let's work through each step:
Step 1: Recall that the perimeter of a parallelogram is given by the formula P=2(a+b)P = 2(a + b), where aa and bb are the lengths of adjacent sides.
Step 2: In our parallelogram, opposite sides are equal. Therefore, the perimeter formula can be expressed as: P=2(AB+AC)=20 P = 2(AB + AC) = 20 Substituting the given lengths: 2(5+2X)=20 2(5 + 2X) = 20
Step 3: Simplify the equation: 2×(5+2X)=2010+4X=204X=10X=2.5 2 \times (5 + 2X) = 20 \\ 10 + 4X = 20 \\ 4X = 10 \\ X = 2.5 Now, substitute back to find the length of side AC: AC=2X=2×2.5=5 AC = 2X = 2 \times 2.5 = 5

Therefore, the length of side AC is 5\bold{5}.

The correct choice from the given options is 3\bold{3}: 5\bold{5}.

3

Final Answer

5

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Perimeter Rule: In parallelograms, opposite sides are equal, so P = 2(a + b)
  • Technique: Substitute known values: 2(5 + 2X) = 20, then solve for X
  • Check: Verify AC = 2(2.5) = 5, and perimeter: 2(5 + 5) = 20 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding all four sides instead of using the parallelogram property
    Don't write 5 + 2X + 5 + 2X = 20 without simplifying first = more complex algebra! This makes the problem harder than needed. Always use the fact that opposite sides are equal and write P = 2(adjacent sides).

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Given the parallelogram:

444222AAABBBDDDCCC

Calculate the perimeter of the parallelogram.

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do opposite sides in a parallelogram have equal length?

+

By definition, a parallelogram has two pairs of parallel sides. When sides are parallel and connected, geometry proves that opposite sides must be equal in length.

How do I know which sides are adjacent?

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Adjacent sides share a common vertex (corner). In this problem, AB and AC both connect to point A, so they're adjacent and we use both in our perimeter formula.

What if I get X = 2.5 but the answer choices are whole numbers?

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That's normal! You found X = 2.5, but the question asks for AC. Since AC = 2X, you calculate AC = 2(2.5) = 5, which matches the answer choices.

Can I solve this without setting up an equation?

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You could guess and check, but setting up the equation 2(5+2X)=20 2(5 + 2X) = 20 is more reliable and shows your mathematical thinking clearly.

What if the perimeter was a different number?

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The same method works! Just replace 20 with the given perimeter in your equation. The steps remain: substitute known values, solve for X, then calculate AC.

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