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39 votes
39 votes
If DE is the midsegment of ABC what is the value of x AND y?

If DE is the midsegment of ABC what is the value of x AND y?-example-1
User Carl Von Buelow
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3.1k points

1 Answer

14 votes
14 votes

Answer:

3.) x = 4.5

4.) y = 7

Explanation:

3 is an easier one than 4. By the triangle midsegment theorem, the midsegment of a triangle will be half of the base if it is parallel to it. AB is our base, so the equation is like this!


AB = 2(ED)\\9=2(ED)\\4.5=ED

Now for 4, it actually is pretty easy. By the same triangle midsegment theorem, we automatically know that EC and EA are congruent, and CD and DB are also congruent. Meaning y equals 7.

But another way we can determine this (the long, kinda unecessary, but useful way) is through examining the relationship that triangles ABC and EDC have! We know that they are similar triangles by SAS or AA. Meaning, their equation looks something like this...


4.5(7+y) = 9y\\31.5 + 4.5y = 9y\\31.5=4.5y\\7=y

Like I said earlier, 7 is equal to y, but I figured I'd prove it so we are on the same page. Nothing wrong with double-checking ;)

Have a nice day. Feel free to Ask questions. Spread The Love.

User Jay Bose
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2.7k points
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