Question

In this truss bridge, AB=AC=12 Feet, BC = 9 feet, and CE = 4.5 feet. if ABC~DCE, What is DE? A 4.5ft B 6 ft C 9 ft D 12 ft

Answer 1

To find the length of DE in a truss bridge, use the scale factor between triangles ABC and DCE and compare the corresponding side lengths.

Step-by-step explanation:

To find the length of DE, we need to first find the scale factor between triangles ABC and DCE. Since ABC~DCE, the lengths of corresponding sides are proportional.

Let's compare AB and DE:

AB/DE = AC/DC = BC/CE

Substituting the given values, we have:

12/DE = 12/4.5

Cross-multiplying and solving for DE, we get:

DE = 12 * 4.5 / 12 = 4.5 ft

Therefore, the length of DE is 4.5 ft.