SOLUTION: ABC and DEF are similar. ABC has unknown height (x) and 15' base, while DEF has 6' height and 4' base. Find the unknown height. (show work)

Algebra ->  Triangles -> SOLUTION: ABC and DEF are similar. ABC has unknown height (x) and 15' base, while DEF has 6' height and 4' base. Find the unknown height. (show work)      Log On


   

Question 565034: ABC and DEF are similar. ABC has unknown height (x) and 15' base, while DEF has 6' height and 4' base. Find the unknown height. (show work)
Answer by KMST(5328) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
If the triangles are similar the ratio height%2Fbase is the same, so we write the proportion
x%2F15=6%2F4
x%2F15=6%2F4 ---> 4x=6%2A15 (equating cross products)
4x=6%2A15 ---> 4x%2F4=6%2A15%2F4 (dividing both sides by 4)
4x%2F4=6%2A15%2F4 ---> x=22.5 simplifying/performing indicated operations