Question

If AB= x+4, BC=2x-10, and AC=2x+1, then find the value for x

Answer 1

`\boxed{x = 7}`

Explanation:

Given:

• AB = x + 4
• BC = 2x – 10
• AC = 2x + 1

We can illustrate this relationship as:

(2x + 1)

___↑___

| |

A — B — C

|____|___|

↓ ↓

(x + 4) (2x – 10)

_______________________________

When you are given an algebraic expression for the length of a segment, you can solve for that value by knowing that the sum of two segments AB + BC = AC.

Thus:

(x + 4) + (2x – 10) = (2x + 1)

[Regroup terms]

(x + 2x) + (4 – 10) = (2x + 1)

[Simplify]

(3x – 6) = (2x + 1)

[subtract 2x from both sides to isolate the variable]

(3x – 6) – 2x = (2x + 1) – 2x

[Regroup terms]

(3x – 2x) – 6 = (2x – 2x) + 1

x – 6 = 1

[Add 6 to both sides to isolate the constant]

x – 6 + 6 = 1 + 6

[Simplify]

x = 7