Luke observes the Bermuda Triangle on two maps of different sizes. The triangles are similar and have dimensions, in centimeters, as shown in the figure below.

Question

jim_thompson5910 · Answer

The figure is missing, but similar triangles are in proportion

jim_thompson5910 · Answer

which means that you can set up ratios

anonymous · Answer

What is the value, in centimeters, of x?

jim_thompson5910 · Answer

so we can say

9/8 = (3x)/(x+5)

jim_thompson5910 · Answer

solve that equation to find your answer

anonymous · Answer

how?

jim_thompson5910 · Answer

9/8 = (3x)/(x+5) .. Start with the given equation

9(x+5) = 8(3x) ... Cross multiply

9x + 45 = 24x ... Distribute and multiply

45 = 24x - 9x ... Subtract 9x from both sides.

45 = 15x ... Subtract

45/15 = x ... Divide both sides by 15.

3 = x ... Divide

x = 3 ... Flip the equation

jim_thompson5910 · Answer

Use this idea to solve any ratio in the form a/b = c/d

You basically start off by cross multiplying. Then you tackle it as a normal linear equation.