Question

A triangle has side lengths 8, 7, 4. In a similar triangle the smallest side is represented by x + 5 and the longest side is represented by x - 3. What is the value of x?

Answer 1

Explanation:

X=11

The longest known is double than samallest known

2(x-3) = x+5

2x-6 = x+5

x= 11

11-3 = 8

11+5 = 16

Sides of the known triangle 8,7,4 (side 8 double than side 4)

Sides of the similar triangle 16,14,8 (side 16 double than side 8 )

Answer 2

x = 11

Explanation:

8/4 = (x+5)/(x-3)

cross-multiply:

8(x-3) = 4(x+5)

8x - 24 = 4x + 20

4x = 44

x = 11