Answer:
x = 9
y = 13
Step-by-step explanation:
Side-Side-Side or SSS means that if all three sides of one triangle are equal to all three corresponding sides of another triangle, then the two triangles are considered to be congruent (equal).
Therefore, GH = PM ⇒ 7x + 8 = 6y - 7
and, GP = HM ⇒ 8x - 10 = 5y - 3
Rewrite the first expression to make x the subject, then substitute this into the second equation, and solve for y:
GH = PM
⇒ 7x + 8 = 6y - 7
⇒ 7x = 6y - 15
⇒ x = (6/7)y - 15/7
Substituting x = (6/7)y - 15/7 into GP = HM:
GP = HM
⇒ 8x - 10 = 5y - 3
⇒ 8[(6/7)y - 15/7] - 10 = 5y - 3
⇒ (48/7)y - 120/7 - 10 = 5y - 3
⇒ (13/7)y = 169/7
⇒ y = 13
Now we have found a value for y, substitute this into one of the expressions and solve for x:
8x - 10 = 5y - 3
⇒ 8x - 10 = (5 x 13) - 3
⇒ 8x - 10 = 62
⇒ 8x = 72
⇒ x = 9
