Math Problem Statement

Point Q is on line segment start overline, P, R, end overline PR . Given Q, R, equals, 2, x, plus, 4, commaQR=2x+4, P, Q, equals, x, commaPQ=x, and P, R, equals, 4, x, minus, 10, commaPR=4x−10, determine the numerical length of start overline, P, R, end overline, . PR

Solution

Given that point QQ is on line segment PR\overline{PR}, we have the following information:

  • QR=2x+4QR = 2x + 4
  • PQ=xPQ = x
  • PR=4x10PR = 4x - 10

According to the segment addition postulate, the sum of the lengths of segments PQPQ and QRQR should equal the length of the entire segment PRPR. Therefore, we can write:

PQ+QR=PRPQ + QR = PR

Substituting the given expressions:

x+(2x+4)=4x10x + (2x + 4) = 4x - 10

Simplifying the left-hand side:

3x+4=4x103x + 4 = 4x - 10

Next, we'll solve for xx. Subtract 3x3x from both sides:

4=x104 = x - 10

Add 10 to both sides:

x=14x = 14

Now that we have x=14x = 14, we can find the length of PRPR by substituting xx back into the expression for PRPR:

PR=4x10=4(14)10=5610=46PR = 4x - 10 = 4(14) - 10 = 56 - 10 = 46

Thus, the numerical length of PR\overline{PR} is 46\boxed{46}.

Would you like more details on any step? Here are some related questions:

  1. How do you apply the segment addition postulate in similar problems?
  2. What if point Q was not between P and R? How would the approach change?
  3. How do you check for consistency in geometric problems involving algebra?
  4. How can you verify that your solution is correct for line segment problems?
  5. What are common pitfalls when solving for variables in geometric contexts?

Tip: Always substitute back the value of the variable into the original equation to verify your solution.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Segment Addition Postulate
Algebra

Formulas

-

Theorems

-

Suitable Grade Level

High School