The figure below shows CB = 4, BE = 5, AB = 4x – 4, and DB = x + 3. If ΔABC ~ ΔDBE, the value of x is _________?

Question

anonymous · Answer

attachment

anonymous · Answer

@Calcmathlete would it be x+3 = 4x-4?

anonymous · Answer

wait, no they aren't congruent.

anonymous · Answer

Similar shapes usually involve proportions. First find the scale factor and then set up a proportion.

saifoo.khan · Answer

Hey, that's the same question you asked this day?

anonymous · Answer

I know, I never got an answer. ): I'm still stuck!

anonymous · Answer

5/4 = (x+3)/(4x - 4)

saifoo.khan · Answer

Tell me the two longest sides and two shorter sides @amandar03

anonymous · Answer

AB and DB are the longest. Right? CB and EB are the shortest?

saifoo.khan · Answer

Cool.
so,
$$\frac{longer1}{smaller1} = \frac{longer2}{smaller2}$$

saifoo.khan · Answer

can u try now?

anonymous · Answer

the shorter lines have no equations.

saifoo.khan · Answer

That dosn't matter, you have numbers.. just write them.

anonymous · Answer

Ohhh! I see what you're saying. So the 4 and 5 are for the shorter lines?

saifoo.khan · Answer

Heck yes. move forward..

anonymous · Answer

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how do I solve from there? 
Do i cross multiply?