Question

Find the value of x and show your steps

Answer 1

x = 4

Explanation:

The image provided below, I find very helpful when trying to solve difficult problems such as this one.

We use the same relationship, the only difference is we are given expressions and numbers for the segments

If the product of the segments in one chord equal the product of the segments in the other chord then,

x * 6 = 8 * ( x - 1 )

Or 6x = 8 ( x - 1 )

Now we solve for

Step 1 distribute the 8

8 * x = 8x

8 * -1 = -8

We now have 6x = 8x - 8

step 2 subtract 8x from each side

6x - 8x = -2x

8x - 8x cancels out

we now have -2x = -8

step 3 divide each side by -2

-2x / -2 = x

-8 / - 2 = -4

we're left with x = 4