Question

In the figure shown the value of a is equal to

Answer 1

a = 7.2

Explanation:

The figure has been re-labelled and attached to this response.

From the figure, the larger right triangle DAB and the small right triangle BCA are similar. This is because;

i. They have two corresponding congruent angles which are the right angle

and angle B

Therefore, we can say that;

`(|DB|)/(|BA|) = (|AB|)/(|BC|)`

`(13)/(a) = (a)/(4)`

Cross multiply

a x a = 13 x 4

a² = 52

a = √52

a = 7.2

Note: The figure showing the similar triangles has also been attached to this response.