Triangles IJK and LMN are similar. Then, the proportion between their similar sides must be equal. That is:
IJ/ML = JK/MN = IK/LN
where:
IJ = x
JK = 54
IK = y
MN = 42
ML = 28
NL = 35
In order to find the value of y, you consider the equation JK/MN = IK/LN, and solve for y, just as follow
JK/MN = IK/LN replace by the values
54/42 = y/35 multiply both sides by 35
(54/42)(35) = y
45 = y
Hence, y = 45
In geometry, it would be always helpful to draw a diagram to illustrate the given problem.
This will also help to identify solutions, or discover missing information.
A figure is drawn for right triangle ABC, right-angled at B.
The altitude is drawn from the right-angled vertex B to the hypotenuse AC, dividing AC into two segments of length x and 4x.
We will be using the first two of the three metric relations of right triangles.
(1) BC^2=CD*CA (similarly, AB^2=AD*AC)
(2) BD^2=CD*DA
(3) CB*BA = BD*AC
Part (A)
From relation (2), we know that
BD^2=CD*DA
substitute values
8^2=x*(4x) => 4x^2=64, x^2=16, x=4
so CD=4, DA=4*4=16 (and AC=16+4=20)
Part (B)
Using relation (1)
AB^2=AD*AC
again, substitute values
AB^2=16*20=320=8^2*5
=>
AB
=sqrt(8^2*5)
=8sqrt(5)
=17.89 (approximately)
Let's say the point is C, so C partitions AB into two pieces, where AC is at a ratio of 3 and CB is at a ratio of 7, thus 3:7,
