Question

The altitude of the right triangle measures 8 units. Find the value of x.

Answer 1

The value of x is calculated by setting up and solving a proportion based on the given scale and ratio, resulting in a value of 320 miles for x.

Step-by-step explanation:

To find the value of x, we need to set up a proportion using the given information. We know the scale length is 8 units and the unknown length is x. The ratio given is 0.5 inch/20 miles, which corresponds to 8 inches/x miles. To solve for x, we can cross multiply and divide as follows:

1. Write the proportion: 0.5 inch / 20 miles = 8 inches / x miles.
2. Cross multiply to get: 0.5 * x = 8 * 20.
3. Calculate the value of x: x = (8 * 20) / 0.5.
4. Divide to find x: x = 320 miles.

Therefore, the value of x is 320 miles.