MHB Uncovering the Hidden Simplicity of Similar Triangles

  • Thread starter Thread starter karush
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Triangles
AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on a common GRE exam question involving similar triangles, specifically the equation $\dfrac{800}{7000}=\dfrac{x}{1400}$. Participants highlight that the problem appears more complex than it is, emphasizing the simplification process that leads to the solution. By reducing the fractions step-by-step, they demonstrate that the answer is x=160. The conversation critiques those who overcomplicate the problem by relying on calculators instead of recognizing the simpler approach. Ultimately, the thread underscores the importance of understanding the underlying simplicity in similar triangle problems.
karush
Gold Member
MHB
Messages
3,240
Reaction score
5
View attachment 9548
This seems to be rather common GRE Exam Question
Which appears to harder that what it is
It looks like a similar triagle solution
$\dfrac{800}{7000}=\dfrac{x}{1400}$
 
Last edited:
Mathematics news on Phys.org
karush said:
This seems to be rather common GRE Exam Question
Which appears to harder that what it is
It looks like a similar triagle solution
$\dfrac{800}{7000}=\dfrac{x}{1400}$

800/7000 = x/1400

It's a little bit of smoke.

80/700 = x/1400

8/70 = x/1400

8/7 = x/140

8/1 = x/20

Look easier?

Anyone whose first move is to produce 112,000 = 700x simply isn't paying attention.
 
"Anyone whose first move is to produce 112,000 = 700x" solves problems like this by immediately plugging numbers into a calculator!​
 
tkhunny said:
800/7000 = x/1400

It's a little bit of smoke.

80/700 = x/1400

8/70 = x/1400

8/7 = x/140

8/1 = x/20

Look easier?

Anyone whose first move is to produce 112,000 = 700x simply isn't paying attention.
actually the answer is
x=160
 

Thread 'Non-orthogonal bases'

Suppose ,instead of the usual x,y coordinate system with an I basis vector along the x -axis and a corresponding j basis vector along the y-axis we instead have a different pair of basis vectors ,call them e and f along their respective axes. I have seen that this is an important subject in maths My question is what physical applications does such a model apply to? I am asking here because I have devoted quite a lot of time in the past to understanding convectors and the dual...
View full post »

Thread 'Fermat's Last Theorem'

Fermat's Last Theorem has long been one of the most famous mathematical problems, and is now one of the most famous theorems. It simply states that the equation $$ a^n+b^n=c^n $$ has no solutions with positive integers if ##n>2.## It was named after Pierre de Fermat (1607-1665). The problem itself stems from the book Arithmetica by Diophantus of Alexandria. It gained popularity because Fermat noted in his copy "Cubum autem in duos cubos, aut quadratoquadratum in duos quadratoquadratos, et...
View full post »

Thread 'What Exactly is Dirac’s Delta Function? - Insight'

Insights auto threads is broken atm, so I'm manually creating these for new Insight articles. In Dirac’s Principles of Quantum Mechanics published in 1930 he introduced a “convenient notation” he referred to as a “delta function” which he treated as a continuum analog to the discrete Kronecker delta. The Kronecker delta is simply the indexed components of the identity operator in matrix algebra Source: https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/what-exactly-is-diracs-delta-function/ by...
View full post »

Similar threads

MHB -gre.ge.2 distance by similiar triangles
Replies
2
Views
1K
B More similar triangle problems
Replies
16
Views
555
Two launches ferrying between two landing stations along a river
Replies
23
Views
1K
B Why do I not understand what seems to be basic Calculus?
Replies
11
Views
2K
MHB Why Is Cosine Used to Calculate Angle Y in a Right Triangle?
Replies
2
Views
2K
I Normal modes of vibration from the total energy
Replies
3
Views
1K
MHB Given 3 sides of a triangle, compute interior angles and area
Replies
6
Views
3K
MHB How to find the Double Angle formula for Sin given only a triangle
Replies
8
Views
3K
Optimization - rectangle inscribed in a right triangle
Replies
6
Views
6K
Relation between heat capacities and van der Waals equation
Replies
23
Views
11K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top