Question

Fine length of BC on the following photo.

Answer 1

Answer:

$BC=4\sqrt{5}\ units$

Step-by-step explanation:

see the attached figure with letters to better understand the problem

step 1

In the right triangle ACD

Find the length side AC

Applying the Pythagorean Theorem

$AC^2=AD^2+DC^2$

substitute the given values

$AC^2=16^2+8^2$

$AC^2=320$

$AC=\sqrt{320}\ units$

simplify

$AC=8\sqrt{5}\ units$

step 2

In the right triangle ACD

Find the cosine of angle CAD

$cos(\angle CAD)=\frac{AD}{AC}$

substitute the given values

$cos(\angle CAD)=\frac{16}{8\sqrt{5}}$

$cos(\angle CAD)=\frac{2}{\sqrt{5}}$ ----> equation A

step 3

In the right triangle ABC

Find the cosine of angle BAC

$cos(\angle BAC)=\frac{AC}{AB}$

substitute the given values

$cos(\angle BAC)=\frac{8\sqrt{5}}{16+x}$ ----> equation B

step 4

Find the value of x

In this problem

$\angle CAD=\angle BAC$ ----> is the same angle

so

equate equation A and equation B

$\frac{8\sqrt{5}}{16+x}=\frac{2}{\sqrt{5}}$

solve for x

Multiply in cross

$(8\sqrt{5})(\sqrt{5})=(16+x)(2)\\\\40=32+2x\\\\2x=40-32\\\\2x=8\\\\x=4\ units$

$DB=4\ units$

step 5

Find the length of BC

In the right triangle BCD

Applying the Pythagorean Theorem

$BC^2=DC^2+DB^2$

substitute the given values

$BC^2=8^2+4^2$

$BC^2=80$

$BC=\sqrt{80}\ units$

simplify

$BC=4\sqrt{5}\ units$