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Please help. I keep getting a negative distance when doing the formula

Please help. I keep getting a negative distance when doing the formula-example-1
User Kchoi
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1 Answer

6 votes

Answer:

EF ≥ 4

Explanation:

EF is the midline of the trapezoid so its length is the average of the two base lengths:

(AD +BC)/2 = EF

AD +BC = 2·EF . . . . multiply by 2

8 +2x -4 = 2(x+2) . . . substitute the expressions for the segment lengths

2x +4 = 2x +4 . . . . . . true for any value of x

We only require that segment BC is non-negative in length, so ...

BC ≥ 0

2x -4 ≥ 0 . . . . substitute the expression for BC

x -2 ≥ 0 . . . . . divide by 2

x ≥ 2

Then segment EF will be ...

x +2 ≥ 4 . . . . add 2 to both sides of the inequality for x

The only restriction the figure puts on the length of EF is ...

EF ≥ 4

_____

We suggest you talk to your teacher about this problem. The figure shown does not require that EF have any particular value.

User Michael Klishevich
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