Question

Help maybe? I think I know how to do it, just need reassurance...

R, S, and T are collinear. S is between R and T. RS = 2w + 1, ST = w -1, and RT = 18. Use the Segment Addition Postulate to solve for w. Then determine the length of RS.

Answer 1

I think I have to add the two equations together? 2w-1 + w-1 = 18

Answer 2

Does someone care to answer whether or not this is right?

Answer 3

Yes you have to add the two equations together, because RS + ST = RT

Answer 4

I believe so

Answer 5

Ok, and when I do so I get 20/3, which comes out to some sort of decimal...

Answer 6

However, I dont think this is correct.... :/

Answer 7

RT = RS + ST
RT = 18
thus
RT = 2w-1 + w-1
18 = 2w-1 + w-1 <--- yeap, you're correct

Answer 8

20/3 = w?

You can check by replacing w with 20/3 and solving it =)

Answer 9

well... you typed in 2w-1, it should be 2w+1 though

Answer 10

And then do I plug in the answer to the RS equation?

Answer 11

Yeah... I see the mistake now...

Answer 12

RT = RS + ST
RT = 18
thus
RT = 2w+1 + w-1
18 = 2w+1 + w-1 <--- there

Answer 13

Yes, you can if you want

Answer 14

To see if both sides of the equation is equal

Answer 15

Thank you so much! TO the both of you @sammixboo and @jdoe0001

Answer 16

So is this true?

18 = 2*(20/3) + 1 + (20/3) - 1

Answer 17

yw

Answer 18

No problem =)