First of all, the perimeter CANNOT equal 28
We know this because we're told that x + y = 30, which means the sum of two sides is 30
In order for the perimeter (x+y+z) to equal 28, side z would have to have length -2, which makes no sense.
ELIMINATE A, C, D, and E

Answer: B

On test day, I wouldn't spend any more time on this question, but for "fun", let's keep going. . .

Now that we've shown the perimeter CANNOT equal 28, let's show that the perimeter CANNOT equal 42

IMPORTANT RULE: If two sides of a triangle have lengths A and B, then . . .
DIFFERENCE between A and B < length of third side < SUM of A and B
We're told that y + z = 20, which means the sum of sides y and z is 20
The above rule tells us that the third side (side x) must be LESS THAN 20
If x is less than 20, and y+z = 20, it's impossible for the perimeter (x+y+z) to equal 42

Finally, the perimeter (x+y+z) CAN equal 36
If x = 16 y = 14, and z = 6, then all of the conditions are met, AND the perimeter is 36

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