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Points A,B, and Care collinear, Point B is between A

and C. Solve for x,
Find x if AB = x +3, AC = 11, and BC = x.

1 Answer

5 votes

Answer: x = 4

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Explanation:

Saying "Points A,B, and C are collinear" means the three points all fall on the same line. For the sake of simplicity, assume the line is horizontal.

Since B is between A and C, we know that the order of the points from left to right is A, B, C.

Through the segment addition postulate, we say,

AB+BC = AC

(x+3) + (x) = 11

x+3+x = 11

2x+3 = 11

2x = 11-3

2x = 8

x = 8/2

x = 4

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Extra info:

Using x = 4, we see that

AB = x+3

AB = 4+3

AB = 7

Note how this adds to BC = x = 4, getting us,

AB+BC = 7+4 = 11

which is the length of segment AC. This confirms AB+BC = AC is true and confirms our answer.

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