SOLUTION: I'm stuck on this question, help would be much appreciated!! "The ratio of the segments into which the altitude to the hypotenuse of a right triangle divides the hypotenuse is

Algebra ->  Triangles -> SOLUTION: I'm stuck on this question, help would be much appreciated!! "The ratio of the segments into which the altitude to the hypotenuse of a right triangle divides the hypotenuse is      Log On


   

Question 434858: I'm stuck on this question, help would be much appreciated!!
"The ratio of the segments into which the altitude to the hypotenuse of a right triangle divides the hypotenuse is 9 : 4. What is the length of the altitude?"
I think that the length of the altitude cannot be determined. Am I right?
Thanks so much!
Found 2 solutions by stanbon, robertb:
Answer by stanbon(75887) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
"The ratio of the segments into which the altitude to the hypotenuse of a right triangle divides the hypotenuse is 9 : 4. What is the length of the altitude?"
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You would have to know the length of one of those segments.
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Cheers,
Stan H.

Answer by robertb(5830) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The problem is very easy by similarity of triangles.
9%2Fx+=+x%2F4 ==> x%5E2+=+36 after cross-multiplication.
==> x = 6, the length of the altitude to the hypotenuse.