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Find X using the image.

Find X using the image.-example-1
User Azer
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1 Answer

3 votes

9514 1404 393

Answer:

x = 2

Explanation:

The square of the tangent is equal to the product of the secant lengths to the near and far circle intersections.

(x +4)² = (2x -1)(2x -1 +9)

0 = (2x -1)(2x +8) -(x +4)² = (4x² +14x -8) -(x² +8x +16)

0 = 3x² +6x -24 = 3(x² +2x -8) = 3(x +4)(x -2)

This has solutions x = -4 and x = 2. Only the latter works in this geometry.

x = 2

User Pizzicato
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