Answer:
x = 13
Step-by-step explanation:
In order to solve this you need to know the Pythagorean theorem:
a^2 + b^2 = c^2
a - 1 side
b - 2nd side
c - hypoteneuse
Step 1: Find the missing side of the triangles
** Note both triangles are equal to each other as shown by the dashed line in both that signifies both sides are equal to each other, and the 90-degree angle there as well**
Solve:
17^2 + b^2 = 19^2
289 + b^2 = 361
361 - 289 = 72
√72 = √b^2
8.5 = b (approximately, to the tenth)
Step 2: Because both of the triangles are equal to each other, the missing side is equal to 8.5, but there are two of them, in order to determine x, you need to add both values together:
8.5 + 8.5 = 17
Then you subtract it from the base value: 31
31 - 17 = 13
Therefore, x = 13, as that is the remaining of the base.
