Question

W
65
X
a-9
Find WX. Figure is not drawn to scale.

Answer 1

37

Explanation:

WX = a

XY = a-9

WY = WX + XY = 65

So we substitute values:

WY = a + a -9 OR 2a - 9

65 = 2a -9

Then we collect like terms:

2a = 65 + 9

2a = 74 (divide both sides by 2 to get a)

a = 37