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Solve for x in this triangle

Solve for x in this triangle-example-1
User NielsK
by
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1 Answer

10 votes

Answer:

x = 5.006 (approximate answer)

Explanation:

According to the instructions, the two triangles are similar. Thus, we can write and solve an equation of ratios:

2x - 10 39

-------------- = ------------

78 169

x - 5 1

This reduces to ------------ = -----------

1 169

or (after cross-multiplication) 169x - 845 = 1

Solve for x: Add 845 to both sides, which results in 169x = 846

Dividing both sides by 169 results in x = 5.006 (approximate answer)

User Austyns
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