Question

STVU is an isosceles trapezoid. If SV = 3x - 11 and TU = x + 13, find the value of x

Answer 1

The given trapezoid will have the sides ST, TV, VU, and US. Each of these can be assigned as base or legs. By this, it can be deduced that the given sides, SV and TU are the diagonals. Because the trapezoid is isosceles, the values of SV and TU should also be equal.

                                   SV = TU
                                 3x - 11 = x + 13

Transpose the terms with x and the constants in each sides of the equation.
 
                               3x - x = 13 + 11
                                   2x = 24
                                     x = 12

Thus, the value of x from the equation is 12.