Question

Segment LM is the midsegment of trapezoid ABCD. AB= x + 8, LM = 4x + 3, and DC = 187. What is the value of x?

Answer 1

The length of the midsegment is the average o f the lengths of the two bases.
LM = (AB + CD)/2
Substitute what you are given for LM, AB and CD and solve for x.

Answer 2

(x + 8 + 187) / 2? Is this the next step?

Answer 3

Good so far. That is equal to what?

Answer 4

use this formula 1/2*(sum of parallel side) * distance between them

Answer 5

Then, where does that get me?

Answer 6

not really, because i missed half a semester of this stuff and none of it makes sense.

Answer 7

From the top again:
(x + 8 + 187)/2 = 4x + 3
Multiply both sides by 2:
x + 8 + 187 = 2(4x + 3)
Add numbers on left side, distribute oin right side:
x + 195 = 8x + 6
Subtract 8x from both sides:
-7x + 195 = 6
Subtract 195 from both sides:
-7x = -189
Divide both sides by -7:
x = 27

Answer 8

Totally makes sense now, thank you.