Question

Find the value of x and the length of both chords if BW=2x+10, WD=4, CW=7x+5, and WE=2.

Answer 1

Answer:

The value of x is 5

The lengths of the chords are 24 units and 42 units

Step-by-step explanation:

In a circle if two chords intersected at a point inside it there are four segments created, two in each cord, the products of the lengths of the line segments on each chord are equal

∵ BD and CE are two chords in a circle intersected at W

∴ The two segments of chord BD are BW and WD

∴ The two segments of chord CE are CW and WE

- By using the rule above

∴ BW × WD = CW × WE

∵ BW = 2x + 10 and WD = 4

∵ CW = 7x + 5 and WE = 2

- Substitute them in the rule above

∴ (2x + 10) × 4 = (7x + 5) × 2

∴ 4(2x) + 4(10) = 2(7x) + 2(5)

∴ 8x + 40 = 14x + 10

- Subtract 14x from both sides

∴ - 6x + 40 = 10

- Subtract 40 from both sides

∴ - 6x = - 30

- Divide both sides by - 6

∴ x = 5

∵ Chord BD = 2x + 10 + 4

∴ Chord BD = 2x + 14

- Substitute the value of x to find its length

∴ Chord BD = 2(5) + 14 = 10 + 14

∴ Chord BD = 24 units

∵ Chord CE = 7x + 5 + 2

∴ Chord CE = 7x + 7

- Substitute the value of x to find its length

∴ Chord CE = 7(5) + 7 = 35 + 7

∴ Chord CE = 42 units