Math Problem Statement

In the figure above, lines DG, CF, and BE are parallel. If line segment AB = 6, line segment AE = 9, line segment EF = 10, and line segment FG = 11, what is the length of line AD?

Solution

To solve this problem, we need to use the concept of similar triangles and the properties of parallel lines.

Given:

  • AB=6AB = 6
  • AE=9AE = 9
  • EF=10EF = 10
  • FG=11FG = 11
  • DGCFBEDG \parallel CF \parallel BE (which indicates that these segments form similar triangles)

Solution:

Since DGCFBEDG \parallel CF \parallel BE, triangles ABEABE, ACFACF, and ADGADG are similar. We can set up a proportion using the similarity between these triangles.

Step-by-step process:

  1. Set up Proportion Using Similar Triangles: Since the triangles are similar, the ratios of their corresponding sides are equal: ABAE=AEAF=AFAG\frac{AB}{AE} = \frac{AE}{AF} = \frac{AF}{AG} where AF=AE+EF=9+10=19AF = AE + EF = 9 + 10 = 19, and AG=AF+FG=19+11=30AG = AF + FG = 19 + 11 = 30.

  2. Calculate AD: ABAE=AEAD\frac{AB}{AE} = \frac{AE}{AD} Substituting the values: 69=9AD\frac{6}{9} = \frac{9}{AD}

  3. Cross Multiply to solve for ADAD: 6AD=996 \cdot AD = 9 \cdot 9 6AD=816 \cdot AD = 81 AD=816=13.5AD = \frac{81}{6} = 13.5

Final Answer:

The length of line segment ADAD is 13.5.

Would you like further details or have any questions? Here are a few related questions for further practice:

  1. How do similar triangles help in solving problems involving parallel lines?
  2. What other properties of similar triangles can be used in geometry problems?
  3. How would the solution change if BEBE were a different length?
  4. Can you find the ratio between the areas of triangles ABEABE and ACFACF?
  5. How would you verify that triangles ABEABE, ACFACF, and ADGADG are indeed similar?

Tip: When dealing with similar triangles, always identify corresponding sides and set up a proportion to find unknown lengths.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Similar Triangles
Proportions

Formulas

Proportion of similar triangles: AB/AE = AE/AF = AF/AG
Cross multiplication to solve proportions

Theorems

Theorem of similar triangles and parallel lines

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12