Final answer:
The value of x is determined by understanding that the angle formed by perpendicular lines is a right angle, which measures 90 degrees. Subtracting the given amount from 90 degrees leads to the conclusion that x equals 70 degrees.
Step-by-step explanation:
If perpendicular lines AB and CD intersect at point E and ∠ZAE is given as x + 20 degrees, we can deduce that ∠ZAE is part of a right angle formed by these perpendicular lines. We know that a right angle measures 90 degrees. Therefore, to find the value of x, we set the equation x + 20 degrees equal to 90 degrees and solve for x.
x + 20 = 90
x = 90 - 20
x = 70
Thus, the correct value for x is 70 degrees, which corresponds to option d).