Question

Given right triangle ABC with altitude bar (BD) drawn to hypotenuse bar (AC). If AD=20 and DC=45, what is the length of bar (BD) ?

Answer 1

To find the length of BD, we can use the properties of similar triangles and set up a proportion to solve for AB.

Step-by-step explanation:

To find the length of BD, we can use the properties of similar triangles. Since BD is the altitude drawn to the hypotenuse AC, it divides the right triangle ABC into two similar triangles - ABD and CBD. From the given information, AD = 20 and DC = 45.

Therefore, we can set up a proportion:

AB/AD = BD/DC

Since we know AD and DC, we can substitute the values into the proportion and solve for AB:

AB/20 = BD/45

Cross multiplying and simplifying the equation:

AB = (BD * 20)/45

So, we need to find the value of BD to determine the length of AB.