Finding the length of this side of similar figures

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on determining the length of a side, denoted as ##x##, in similar figures. A participant mentions that the length of segment EF is 19.8 cm, but concludes that the information provided is insufficient to calculate ##x## definitively. Another user suggests using a "3, 4, 5" right triangle configuration with 5x as the hypotenuse to approach a solution, while others clarify that this relates to ratios rather than specific lengths. Ultimately, the consensus is that without additional information, any value assigned to ##x## remains arbitrary.

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  • Understanding of similar figures and their properties
  • Knowledge of right triangle relationships, specifically the "3, 4, 5" triangle
  • Familiarity with ratios and proportional reasoning
  • Basic geometry concepts related to lengths and measurements
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  • Study the properties of similar figures in geometry
  • Learn about the Pythagorean theorem and its applications
  • Explore ratio and proportion techniques in mathematical problem-solving
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Students studying geometry, educators teaching mathematical concepts, and anyone interested in understanding the relationships between lengths in similar figures.

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Is it possible to find the value of ##x##? I feel like the information is not enough to find it.

I have found EF, which is 19.8 cm (if this is helpful)

Thanks
 
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You can't find ##x## from the information given.
 
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Thank you very much PeroK
 
If you made a "3,4, 5" right triangle with 5x as the hypotenuse, you could get closer to a solution.
 
osilmag said:
If you made a "3,4, 5" right triangle with 5x as the hypotenuse, you could get closer to a solution.
Sorry I don't understand. I think what you suggest is related to ratio, not to actual length, or am I mistaken?

Thanks
 
It seems to me that you could make up any value for ##x##, e.g. 3, and then find that some other value, e.g. 5, would work just as well.
 

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