SOLUTION: We have YX=9, WX=12, and YZ=5. If YX is perpendicular to WX then what is XZ?

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Question 1167691: We have YX=9, WX=12, and YZ=5. If YX is perpendicular to WX then what is XZ?
Found 2 solutions by greenestamps, s_p123123:
Answer by greenestamps(13195) (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!

The problem is not described sufficiently. Specifically, there is no description of where Z is.

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Thanks for supplying the diagram. Now you can solve the problem.

In triangle WXY, WY=15 by the Pythagorean Theorem.

Extend WX to a new point P and draw ZP, with ZP perpendicular to WP.

Triangles WXY and WPZ are similar; YZ=5 and WY=15 tells us the ratio of similarity is 3:4.

Use that ratio of similarity to find WP and ZP; then find XP.

Then you can find XZ using the Pythagorean Theorem on triangle XPZ.

Answer by s_p123123(1) (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Hi Greenestamps here is a diagram: