Question

Can someone please help me. I don't know what to do after:
x+2/3=x+4/x->x^2+2x=3x+12. By the way I crossed multiplied to get x^2+2x=3x+12.

Answer 1

Ummm, you're assuming they're proportional, but I don't understand where you are getting that idea from.

Answer 2

Do they form right triangles?

Answer 3

If so, then we can use Pythagorean theorem to say \[
\sqrt{x^2-3^2} = \sqrt{(x+4)^2-(x+2)^2}
\]

Answer 4

Since x is the hypotenuse of the small triangle and x+4 is the hypotenuse of the big triangle.

Answer 5

Squaring both sides gives us \[
x^2-3^2 = (x+4)^2-(x+2)^2
\]