Solving Similar Triangles Homework

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving similar triangles, where participants are trying to determine the length of an unknown side based on a provided figure. There is some confusion regarding the similarity of the triangles and the application of relevant geometric principles.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants express uncertainty about how to approach the problem, with one attempting to extend a side to form a larger triangle. Others question the similarity of the triangles involved and seek clarification on the problem statement. There are discussions about using the Pythagorean theorem and the law of cosines, with varying levels of confidence in these methods.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of the Pythagorean theorem and the law of cosines, but there is no consensus on the correct approach or solution yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem statement is incomplete, which may be contributing to the confusion. There are also concerns about the validity of the calculations being discussed, particularly regarding the positivity of lengths in geometric contexts.

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Homework Statement



see attachment

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



No idea how to do this. Tried extending the 10 thus getting a big triangle of (10+x)^2+y^2=400. But then again no idea what x and y is. This is wrong. Any help would be appreciated.
 

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xzibition8612 said:

Homework Statement



see attachment

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



No idea how to do this. Tried extending the 10 thus getting a big triangle of (10+x)^2+y^2=400. But then again no idea what x and y is. This is wrong. Any help would be appreciated.

If you understand what the term 'similar triangles' means, it should be obvious that the two triangles in your sketch are NOT similar.

If the problems isn't merely to determine whether the triagles are similar, please provide a complete problem statement.
 
so what is the question?

EDIT: OOPS --- Mark beat me to it.
 
The question is how do i find the length of the unknown side (?). The figure is all I'm given. Any idea? I thought about extending the bottom (length 10) and thus making the entire triangle a right triangle and using that with 5-12 relationship of the slope of the unknown side, but not sure how to do this. any law of sin or cos that's applicable hhere?
 
I cannot see that the ? attaches to any particular line, but there are TWO lines that it MIGHT attach to.

EDIT: Oh, I see. It's really trivial. Do you know the pathagorean theorem? Starting hint --- extend the 5/12 triangle and you'll have a single right triangle that can be solved for it's sides and then go from there.
 
i figured it out. the length is 10-13.9-20. I used the law of cosines.
 
xzibition8612 said:
i figured it out. the length is 10-13.9-20. I used the law of cosines.
That doesn't make any sense. The length has to be positive, and what you show is a negative number.
 

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