ISEE Upper Level Quantitative : How to find the length of the side of a pentagon

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for ISEE Upper Level Quantitative

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Example Questions

Example Question #121 : Plane Geometry

A pentagon with a perimeter of one mile has three congruent sides. The second-longest side is 250 feet longer than any one of those three congruent sides, and the longest side is 500 feet longer than the second-longest side.

Which is the greater quantity?

(a) The length of the longest side of the pentagon

(b) Twice the length of one of the three shortest sides of the pentagon

Possible Answers:

(a) and (b) are equal.

It is impossible to tell from the information given.

(b) is greater.

(a) is greater.

Correct answer:

(b) is greater.

Explanation:

If each of the five congruent sides has measure , then the other two sides have measures  and . Add the sides to get the perimeter, which is equal to  feet, the solve for :

 feet

Now we can compare (a) and (b).

(a) The longest side has measure  feet.

(b) The three shortest sides each have length 856 feet; twice this is  feet.

(b) is greater.

Example Question #1 : Pentagons

A regular pentagon has perimeter one yard. Which is the greater quantity?

(A) The length of one side

(B) 7 inches

Possible Answers:

(A) and (B) are equal

It is impossible to determine which is greater from the information given

(B) is greater

(A) is greater

Correct answer:

(A) is greater

Explanation:

One yard is equal to 36 inches. A regular pentagon has five sides of equal length, so one side of the pentagon has length

 inches.

Since , (A) is greater.

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