Question

Given that WA = 5x – 8 and WC = 3x + 2, find WB. A. WB = 5 B. WB = 8 C. WB = 10 D. WB = 17

Answer 1

5x - 8)^2 = h^2

(3x + 2)^2 = l^2

5x - 8 = 3x + 2

5x - 3x = 8 + 2

2x = 10

x = 5

WB = 5x - 8

WB = 5(5) - 8

WB = 17

Answer 2

The answer is Letter D - WB = 17

First, find the dimension of WB by squaring the given equations as h^2 and l^2 for them to have the same value then you can equate them. Transpose and simplify.
(5x - 8)^2 = h^2
(3x + 2)^2 = l^2

5x - 8 = 3x + 2
5x - 3x = 8 + 2
2x = 10
x = 5

Substitute x to either of the equations to solve WB.
WB = 5x - 8
WB = 5(5) - 8
WB = 17

or

WB = 3x + 2
WB = 3(5) + 2
WB = 17