How Do You Solve a Pre Calculus Problem with Congruent Sides and Diagonals?

[shawonna23]

[SOLVED] Pre Calculus Homework Problem...Help!

1. Homework Statement

A quadrilateral has two pairs of congruent sides and a longer diagonal of length of 6, as shown. For what value of x will the area of the shaded region be 40% of the area of the unshaded region?


2. Homework Equations

x=.40(6-x)

3. The Attempt at a Solution

x=1.71

 

[fikus]

the area of shaded region is S1 = x*a and of unshaded S2 = (6-x)a. You also know that S1/S2 = 0.4 . Now just solve the equation for x.

 

[shawonna23]

Pre Cal Hwk Problem: Answer

x(a)/(6-x)(a)= 0.4
The a's cancel out...so that leaves me with: x/(6-x)=0.4 x=2.4/1.4 x=1.71

Is my work correct?

 

[Kurdt]

It looks fine. The important thing is to realize where the areas came from.

 

[shawonna23]

Thanks for the help!