Question

The figure below shows the storage space under a stairway in Nina’s house.

http://assets.openstudy.com/updates/attachments/50857ec5e4b02a1e48d79ed6-renee99-1350927093085-527934811201124707pm554874649.png

Nina plans to utilize the storage space and make shelves. She wants to fix a wood beam, represented by segment RX in the figure, to support a shelf.

What is the length of the beam? Show all the steps you used to find your answer.

Answer 1

I dont even know which formula to use, I set it up like this:

6/x=x/10
x^2=60
x=7.7

but I don't think that's the right one...

Answer 2

if I knew how long XQ was it would be easier but this just makes me confused...

Answer 3

how about FIRST finding PR using pythagoras

Answer 4

then go wid ur similar triangle ratios

Answer 5

I get 11.6

Answer 6

for PR is that right?

Answer 7

whats 11.6 ?

Answer 8

PR??

Answer 9

10^2+6^2=136 and the sqrt of 136 is 11.6

Answer 10

friend, 10 is the hypotenuse

Answer 11

we should do 10^2-6^2 :)

Answer 12

ohh okay..

Answer 13

64

Answer 14

then, the sqrt of 64 is 8

Answer 15

great ! now see if u can setup some useful proportion and find RX