SOLUTION: Find x. The angle B is a right angle: http://imgur.com/a/xV8jA I'm not sure if I've got the answer right. I have solved it but came to get the answers 0 or 12 but can x really b

Algebra ->  Pythagorean-theorem -> SOLUTION: Find x. The angle B is a right angle: http://imgur.com/a/xV8jA I'm not sure if I've got the answer right. I have solved it but came to get the answers 0 or 12 but can x really b      Log On


   

Question 1072273: Find x. The angle B is a right angle: http://imgur.com/a/xV8jA
I'm not sure if I've got the answer right.
I have solved it but came to get the answers 0 or 12 but can x really be equal to 0? Since when you sub x=0 back in, you get -4 at AB and length cannot be negative... right?

Found 2 solutions by josgarithmetic, MathTherapy:
Answer by josgarithmetic(39617) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The link to your picture: http://imgur.com/a/xV8jA

If the angle at point B is supposed to be 90 degrees, then %28x-4%29%5E2%2B%28x%2B3%29%5E2=%28x%2B5%29%5E2.

x%5E2-8x%2B16%2Bx%5E2%2B6x%2B9=x%5E2%2B10x%2B25
x%5E2-2x%2B25=10x%2B25
x%5E2-12x=0
x%28x-12%29=0
x=12


-
x=0 is NOT a solution for this problem. You saw why.

Answer by MathTherapy(10552) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!

Find x. The angle B is a right angle: http://imgur.com/a/xV8jA
I'm not sure if I've got the answer right.
I have solved it but came to get the answers 0 or 12 but can x really be equal to 0? Since when you sub x=0 back in, you get -4 at AB and length cannot be negative... right?
You’re correct. When you sub 0 for x, side AB will be – 4, and distance/length measurement CANNOT be negative. 

So, you are correct. Good job!!