An isosceles triangle has sides of length x, x, and y. If the perimeter of the triangle is 32 and y = x + 2, what is the length of the shortest side?

A 8

B 10

C 12

D 14

✓ Correct Answer: Option B

The perimeter is x + x + y = 32, so 2x + y = 32. Substituting y = x + 2 yields 2x + (x + 2) = 32, which simplifies to 3x + 2 = 32. Thus, 3x = 30, and x = 10. The sides are 10, 10, and 12, so the shortest side is 10.

💡 Why is B) the correct answer?

The correct answer to the question "An isosceles triangle has sides of length x, x, and y. If the perimeter of the triangle is 32 and y = x + 2, what is the length of the shortest side?" is Option B: 10.

The other options — A) 8, C) 12, D) 14 — are incorrect for this GMAT Exam Prep question. As explained above: The perimeter is x + x + y = 32, so 2x + y = 32. Substituting y = x + 2 yields 2x + (x + 2) = 32, which simplifies to 3x + 2 = 32. Thus, 3x = 30, and x = 10. The sides are 10, 10, and 12, so the shor…

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This 2-level GMAT Exam Prep question from the Quantitative Reasoning topic is part of BrainForge Quiz's free exam preparation library. Each question includes the correct answer and a detailed explanation to help you understand the underlying concept, not just memorize the answer.

How to use this page: Read the question above, consider all four options (A through D), then check the highlighted correct answer and explanation. For active timed practice, start a free GMAT Exam Prep practice test or use flashcards for spaced repetition review.

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An isosceles triangle has sides of length x, x, and y. If the perimeter of the triangle is 32 and y = x + 2, what is the length of the shortest side?

✓ Correct Answer: Option B

📚 About This GMAT Exam Prep Practice Question

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