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I need help with this. I got B, but I feel like my method is faulty.

I need help with this. I got B, but I feel like my method is faulty.-example-1

1 Answer

3 votes

Answer:

B. 6/7

Explanation:

You want the radius of each of two circles tangent to each other and the extended segments of ∆ABC.

Proportion

Referring to the attached figure, we see that ∆EGF is similar to ∆ABC. This means EG/EF = AB/AC = 5/4.

∆AGH is also similar to ∆ABC, so we also have the proportion ...

GH/AH = BC/AC = 3/4

In terms of radius r, GH = (3+5/4)r, and AH = r +4:

(17/4)r / (r +4) = 3/4

17r = 3(r +4) . . . . . . . . multiply by 4(r+4)

14r = 12 . . . . . . . . subtract 3r

r = 6/7 . . . . . . divide by 14, simplify

The radius of each circle is 6/7 units.

I need help with this. I got B, but I feel like my method is faulty.-example-1
User Suma
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