Question

In the figure, lines l, m, and n are parallel. A classmate says you can use the corollary to the side-splitter theorem to find x. explain your classmate's error

Answer 1

Answer: My classmate cannot use the side-splitter theorem, because the theorem is only to figure relates the sides of the figure rather than finding the distance between the transversal. Overall, the theorem cannot be used to determine the value of x.

Answer 2

The issue with using the side-splitter to solve for x is that the side-splitter theorem is used to find lengths of the sides being split by parallel lines. In this case, the x is on a line that is parallel and thus could not be solved for using this theorem.

If we created a triangle where the tops of the non-parallel lines connected, we would be able to compare the following and solve:


`(M1)/(M2) = (N1)/(N2)`

However, none of this would help us solve for x using this theorem.