Question

What is the value of x?

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x =

Answer 1

x = 9

Explanation:

We can solve for x in the given triangle by equating ratios of side lengths using the side splitter theorem.

`\frac{\text{top section of left side}}{\text{bottom section of left side}} = \frac{\text{top section of right side}}{\text{bottom section of right side}}`

↓ plug in the given side lengths

`(9)/(72) = (3x-20)/(56)`

↓ cross multiply

`9(56) = 72(3x-20)`

↓ apply the distributive property: a(b + c) = ab + ac

`504 = 216x-1440`

↓ add 1440 to both sides

`1944 = 216x`

↓ divide both sides by 216

`9 = x`

`\boxed{x = 9}`