Question

In the diagram below of triangle PQS, S is the midpoint of PR and T is the midpoint of QR. If ST = 5x - 22, and PQ = 3x + 19, what is the measurement of PQ?

Answer 1

PQ = 46

Explanation:

The midsegment ST is half the length of the third side PQ , that is

ST =
`(1)/(2)` PQ , so

5x - 22 =
`(1)/(2)` (3x + 19) ← multiply both sides by 2 to clear the fraction

10x - 44 = 3x + 19 ( subtract 3x from both sides )

7x - 44 = 19 ( add 44 to both sides )

7x = 63 ( divide both sides by 7 )

x = 9

Then

PQ = 3x + 19 = 3(9) + 19 = 27 + 19 = 46