Question

E is the midpoint of DF, DE = 3x + 4 and EF = 5x - 2. Find DE, EF, and DF.

Answer 1

Since E is the midpoint of DF, DE and EF are two halves of DF. First, let's write down what we know.

DE = 3x + 4

EF = 5x - 2

DE = EF

DE + EF = DF

Now, let's plug our values for DE and EF into our first expression.

3x + 4 = 5x -2

Add 2 to both sides and subtract 3x from both sides.

6 = 2x

Divide both sides by 2

3 = x

Let's plug 3 in for x into DE.

DE = 3x + 4 = 3(3) + 4 = 9 + 4 = 13

DE = EF = 13

We can plug 13 in for DE and EF to get DF

DF = DE + EF = 13 + 13 = 26