Question

Triangle ABC is similar to triangle XYZ. Find side a.

Answer 1

Side a is 32.

Since triangle XYZ is similar to triangle ABC, the ratios of the sides are equal, such that, the side XY:AB equals YZ:BC.

Thus, 17/68 = 8/a.

The equation can be solved accordingly.

Cross multiplying:

17a = 68 x 8

17a = 544

Make a the subject:

a = 544/17

a = 32.

In other words, side a is 32.