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
00:11 Let's find the length of A C.
00:14 Remember, in parallelograms, opposite sides are equal.
00:22 So, A C and the opposite side are equal.
00:33 The perimeter is the total length around the shape.
00:48 Let's plug in values to find the value of X.
01:02 Now, we'll solve and isolate X.
01:12 And that's how you find the solution!

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

Find the perimeter of the parallelogram using the data below.

555222

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do opposite sides in a parallelogram have equal length?

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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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