If ST=SV=14, TU=a+15, and UV=4a, the value of a is 5.
What is the value of a?
Given:
ST = SV = 14
TU = a + 15
UV = 4a
Set up equations based on the given information:
Since ST = SV = 14 this implies that the lengths of ST and SV are both equal to 14.
Since ST = SV write the equation: ST + UV = TU + SV
Substitute
14 + 4a = (a + 15) + 14
Solve the equation for a
Simplify
14 + 4a = a + 29
Isolate the variable a
4a - a = 29 - 14
3a = 15
Solve for a
a = 15/3
a = 5
Therefore the value of a is 5.