Let's denote the sides of the triangle as follows:
Let AB be the base of the triangle, and CD be the line parallel to the base AB that divides the side into parts in the ratio of 2:3. Let E be the point of intersection between CD and AB. So, AE represents 2 parts and EB represents 3 parts.
Given that the length of the line CD is 5 cm, we can express AE and EB in terms of this information. Let x be the length of AE, then 5−x will be the length of EB.
Since the parts are in the ratio 2:3, we can set up the following proportion:
\[ \frac{x}{5-x} = \frac{2}{3} \]
Now, cross-multiply to solve for \( x \):
\[ 3x = 2(5 - x) \]
\[ 3x = 10 - 2x \]
\[ 5x = 10 \]
\[ x = 2 \]
So, the length of \( AE \) is 2 cm, and the length of \( EB \) is \( 5 - 2 = 3 \) cm.
Now, you know the lengths of AE and EB. If AC is the other side of the triangle, then \( AC = AE + EC \). Substitute the values:
\[ AC = 2 + 3 = 5 \]
Therefore, the length of the other side of the triangle, AC, is 5 cm.