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Find the value of x.

AS
7
х
D
3
B
'c
X=
V[?]
Enter

Find the value of x. AS 7 х D 3 B 'c X= V[?] Enter-example-1

1 Answer

7 votes

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Answer:

x = √70

Explanation:

The triangles shown are all similar, so corresponding sides are proportional.

hypotenuse/long side = x/7 = (7+3)/x

Cross-multiplying gives ...

x^2 = 7(10)

x = √70

_____

You will note that the value of x (the long side) is the geometric mean of the long segment and the whole hypotenuse.

A similar "geometric mean" relation holds for the short side:

BC = √(CD·CA)

There is yet another "geometric mean" relation that holds for the altitude:

BD = √(CD·AD)

You may see these again.

User Balajivijayan
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