MEDAL GO'S TO CORRECT ANSWER WITH EXPLANATION

Question

anonymous · Answer

attachment

anonymous · Answer

8/4 = x/5    it's like magnification.

anonymous · Answer

Sorry, basicallly using the formula @douglaswinslowcooper provided. You must cross multiply

mathmale · Answer

AD and DWC:
May I suggest that you both identify the two similar triangles in this problem.

Each one has a shortest side and a longest side.  Each one has a side that is neither the shortest nor the longest.

AD and DWC:  The smaller triangle has longest side and middle side 4 and 5.  Agreed?  

If so, please identify longest side and middle side of the larger, similar triangle.

mathmale · Answer

I have a strong reason for asking you to do this.

anonymous · Answer

Thanks. I was wrong, the similar triangles are the big one and the little one at the top and my ratios were wrong. Should have printed out the figure rather than answering hastily.

triciaal · Answer

i think it would be 12/4 the larger triangle's length is (8 + 4)

anonymous · Answer

5/4 = x/12

mathmale · Answer

I appreciate the thought and collaboration you've invested here.  Thanks.

So, Ashley:  your turn.  Comments?  Questions?  Solution?

anonymous · Answer

that means x=15 sorry i stepped away from the computer