Question

Find the value of x in 4:x::x:16

Answer 1

Given:

4:x::x:16

To find:

The value of x.

Solution:

We have,

4:x::x:16

It means, we have

4:x = x:16

It can be rewritten as

$\dfrac{4}{x}=\dfrac{x}{16}$

On cross multiplication, we get

$4\times 16=x\times x$

$64=x^2$

Taking square root on both sides.

$\pm \sqrt{64}=x$

$\pm 8=x$

Since ratio can be negative or positive, therefore, the value of x is either -8 or 8.