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If the two triangles shown are similar (i.e. theirsides are proportional), what is the length of theside labeled x?

1 Answer

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Since both triangles are similar we can write a proportion:

for example:

10 ft /8 ft

We are looking at the bigger triangle setting this proportion:

Hypotenuse/ adjacent side.

So for the smaller triangle, it will be:

x/60 inches

Where x is the missing side.

So:

10/8=x/60

But first, we have to convert the ft into inches.

Since :

1 ft = 12 inches

10 ft = 10x12 = 120 inches

8 ft = 8 x12 = 96 inches

Back with the proportion:

120/96 = x/60

10/8 =x/60

(10/8)60 =x

So, option 1 is correct.

User Stevesliva
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