Answer:
D. 30.5
Step-by-step explanation:
Given that A, B, C, D, and E are collinear,
AE = 38,
BD = 15, since segment BC = CD = DE, therefore
BD = ⅔ of BE
15 = ⅔*BE (substitution)
Solve for BE
Multiply each side by 3
15*3 = ⅔*BE*3
45 = 2*BE
Divide both sides by 2
45/2 = BE
22.5 = BE
BE = 22.5
Find AB:
AB + BE = AE (segment addition postulate)
AB + 22.5 = 38 (Substitution)
AB = 38 - 22.5 (Subtracting 22.5 from each side)
AB = 15.5
Find length of segment AD:
AB + BD = AD (segment addition postulate)
15.5 + 15 = AD (Substitution)
30.5 = AD
AD = 30.5
