Question

I need help. it is Similar figures

Answer 1

Problem 15

The general format for these types of problems is

A/B = C/D

One way to set things up is to notice how the horizontal sides are 15 and 6 for the large and small triangles respectively. So A/B = 15/6

At the same time, we can say C/D = 20/x since the longer diagonal is 20 and the shorter diagonal is x (notice how we divide in the same order of long over short)

A/B = C/D updates to 15/6 = 20/x

Cross multiply to solve for x

15/6 = 20/x

15*x = 6*20

15x = 120

x = 120/15

x = 8

Answer: x = 8

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Problem 16

A = Long horizontal side = x

B = Short horizontal side = 24

A/B = x/24

C = long diagonal side of larger triangle = 20+12 = 32

D = short diagonal side of smaller triangle = 20

C/D = 32/20

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A/B = C/D

x/24 = 32/20

20x = 24*32

20x =  768

x = 768/20

x = 38.4

Answer: x = 38.4

side notes:

• 38.4 = 38 & 2/5 as a mixed number
• 38.4 = 192/5 as an improper fraction