Math Problem Statement

In the diagram below of triangle TUV, W is the midpoint of TV and X is the midpoint of UV. If WX = -9 + 4x, and TU = -10 + 6x, what is the measure of WX?

Solution

We are given a triangle TUVTUV where:

  1. WW is the midpoint of TVTV.
  2. XX is the midpoint of UVUV.
  3. The measure of WXWX is given by the expression WX=9+4xWX = -9 + 4x.
  4. The measure of TUTU is given by the expression TU=10+6xTU = -10 + 6x.

We are asked to find the measure of WXWX.

Solution Outline

Since WW and XX are midpoints, WXWX is a segment that connects midpoints of two sides of the triangle TUVTUV. By the Midline Theorem (or Midsegment Theorem), WXWX is parallel to TUTU and is half of its length.

Thus: WX=12×TUWX = \frac{1}{2} \times TU

Step-by-Step Solution

  1. Express WXWX in terms of TUTU: WX=12×(10+6x)WX = \frac{1}{2} \times (-10 + 6x)

  2. Simplify this expression: WX=5+3xWX = -5 + 3x

  3. Set up an equation with the given WXWX: Since WX=9+4xWX = -9 + 4x, we equate this to our expression for WXWX: 9+4x=5+3x-9 + 4x = -5 + 3x

  4. Solve for xx: 4x3x=5+94x - 3x = -5 + 9 x=4x = 4

  5. Substitute x=4x = 4 back into WXWX: WX=9+4(4)WX = -9 + 4(4) WX=9+16WX = -9 + 16 WX=7WX = 7

Final Answer

The measure of WXWX is 7\boxed{7}.

Would you like more details on any step or have additional questions?


Related Questions

  1. How would the solution change if WXWX and TUTU had different expressions?
  2. Can you prove the Midline Theorem used in this problem?
  3. What is the significance of midpoints in geometry, particularly in triangles?
  4. How do we interpret negative values in segment expressions?
  5. How would you find the lengths of TVTV and UVUV if needed?

Tip

Always double-check if the problem involves a midline, as it often simplifies calculations using the Midline Theorem.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Geometry
Midpoint
Midsegment Theorem

Formulas

Midsegment length formula WX = (1/2) * TU

Theorems

Midsegment Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-10