Math Problem Statement

The figure shown below contains two similar triangles. Find the unknown measure indicated by a variable. Answer to the nearest tenth. (Assume a = 4 and b = 5.)

Solution

The problem you uploaded involves two similar right triangles. The goal is to find the unknown height xx given that:

  • a=4a = 4
  • b=5b = 5
  • The bottom segment of the larger triangle is split into two parts: 55 (the base of the smaller triangle) and a=4a = 4 (the remainder of the base of the larger triangle).

Since the two triangles are similar, the sides are proportional. We can set up the following proportion using corresponding sides of the two triangles:

xb=55+a\frac{x}{b} = \frac{5}{5 + a}

Substitute b=5b = 5 and a=4a = 4:

x5=55+4\frac{x}{5} = \frac{5}{5 + 4} x5=59\frac{x}{5} = \frac{5}{9}

Now solve for xx by multiplying both sides of the equation by 5:

x=5×59=2592.8x = 5 \times \frac{5}{9} = \frac{25}{9} \approx 2.8

So, x2.8x \approx 2.8.

Would you like further details on the reasoning or another example? Here are some related questions to explore further:

  1. What are the conditions for two triangles to be similar?
  2. How do you find missing sides in similar triangles using proportions?
  3. Can the Pythagorean theorem also be used in this problem?
  4. How would the result change if aa or bb were different?
  5. What if the triangles were not right triangles? How would the approach change?

Tip: Always double-check your proportions when dealing with similar triangles to ensure you're matching the corresponding sides correctly.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Similar Triangles
Proportions
Right Triangles

Formulas

Proportion formula for similar triangles: \( \frac{x}{b} = \frac{5}{5 + a} \)

Theorems

Similarity Theorem for Triangles
Proportionality in Similar Triangles

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10