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Solve for the missing side: simplify the radical ​

Solve for the missing side: simplify the radical ​-example-1
User Gopinath
by
6.0k points

1 Answer

11 votes

Answer:


x=8√(5)

Explanation:

I will assume the following:

  • You know how to use the quadratic formula
  • You know how to simplify radicals
  • You know how to use the pythagorean theorem.

The challenge of this exercise comes from using the pythagorean theorem and setting up a few equations.

Given that we have a segment 36 units long and another segment that is 16, it is trivial to get the other segment, 20. Additionally, there are two sides that I want to name so that way I can make a couple of substitutions. I will call these side a and side b. (see attachment 1)

Now comes with setting up three equations. I will start with the two smaller triangles, using side a and side b. See attachments 2 and 3.

Now with the big triangle. I will set up one last equation. See attachment 4.

Given what we know about attachment 2 and 3, we can make two substitutions. See attachment 5. I assume you know how to do the rest and arrive at your only real solution.

Solve for the missing side: simplify the radical ​-example-1
Solve for the missing side: simplify the radical ​-example-2
Solve for the missing side: simplify the radical ​-example-3
Solve for the missing side: simplify the radical ​-example-4
Solve for the missing side: simplify the radical ​-example-5
User Pedro Lamas
by
6.8k points
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