Answer:
x=28
Step-by-step explanation:
We can use similar triangles and proportions to solve this problem. Put the side of the small triangle over the same side of the larger triangle.
x 42
---------- = ----------
x+10 42+15
Simplify
x 42
---------- = ----------
x+10 57
Using cross products
57x = 42 (x+10)
Distribute
57x = 42x+420
Subtract 42x from each side
57x-42x = 42x-42x +420
15x = 420
Divide each side by 15
15x/15 = 420/15
x=28

Micah did not explain the last step correctly. You cannot cross out a term from the numerator and denominator unless it is a factor. In other words, x² needed to be multiplied and not added in order to cross it out.