Math Problem Statement

What is the value of y?

Solution

We are given two right triangles that share a common angle and need to find the value of yy. The triangles are similar, as they have corresponding angles that are equal.

Step 1: Set up a proportion based on corresponding sides.

Since the triangles are similar, the corresponding sides are proportional. The sides corresponding to the angle marked in both triangles are:

32y+3=2025\frac{32}{y + 3} = \frac{20}{25}

Step 2: Solve the proportion.

To solve for yy, we cross-multiply:

32×25=20×(y+3)32 \times 25 = 20 \times (y + 3)

800=20(y+3)800 = 20(y + 3)

Step 3: Simplify the equation.

Expand the right side:

800=20y+60800 = 20y + 60

Now, subtract 60 from both sides:

740=20y740 = 20y

Step 4: Solve for yy.

Divide both sides by 20:

y=74020=37y = \frac{740}{20} = 37

Thus, the value of yy is 3737.

Would you like more details or have any questions?

Related Questions:

  1. How do you determine if two triangles are similar?
  2. What is the difference between corresponding angles and corresponding sides?
  3. How can the Pythagorean theorem be applied to find missing sides in right triangles?
  4. What are the other ways to solve similar triangle problems?
  5. How do you check if your proportionality setup is correct?

Tip:

When working with similar triangles, always ensure you correctly identify corresponding sides before setting up a proportion.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Similar Triangles
Proportions
Basic Algebra

Formulas

Proportion formula: a/b = c/d
Cross-multiplication: a * d = b * c

Theorems

Similarity Theorem for Triangles
Proportionality Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10