Question

The trapezoids below are similar. Find z.

Answer 1

`z = 24.5`

solving similarities:

`(upper-length)/(bottom- length)=(upper-length)/(bottom- length)`

steps:

`(2)/(14) =(7/2)/(z)`

`2z = (14*7)/(2)`

`2z = 49`

`z = 24.5`

Answer 2

`z = (49)/(2)`

Explanation:

If the trapezoids are similar, then the ratio of side lengths will be equal.

`\implies 14 : 2 = z : \frac72`

`\implies (14)/(2)=(z)/(\frac72)`

`\implies z=(14)/(2) * \frac72`

`\implies z = (49)/(2)`