Question

Triangles IJK and LMN are similar. Find y using proportions. Explain and show all your steps.

Answer 1

Triangles IJK and LMN are similar. Then, the proportion between their similar sides must be equal. That is:

IJ/ML = JK/MN = IK/LN

where:

IJ = x

JK = 54

IK = y

MN = 42

ML = 28

NL = 35

In order to find the value of y, you consider the equation JK/MN = IK/LN, and solve for y, just as follow

JK/MN = IK/LN replace by the values

54/42 = y/35 multiply both sides by 35

(54/42)(35) = y

45 = y

Hence, y = 45