SOLUTION: I have a problem I need help with. I have two similar triangles that are stacked on top of each other triangle one has height of 7 and side of x+4, second triangle has height of 5

Algebra ->  Triangles -> SOLUTION: I have a problem I need help with. I have two similar triangles that are stacked on top of each other triangle one has height of 7 and side of x+4, second triangle has height of 5       Log On


   

Question 886865: I have a problem I need help with. I have two similar triangles that are stacked on top of each other triangle one has height of 7 and side of x+4, second triangle has height of 5 and side of x+1, find x? Second problem is two similar triangles one with height of 9 second one with height of 7, and side of x-7,find x?
Answer by josgarithmetic(39620) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The first problem:

The two triangles being similar means that the ratio of corresponding sides is the same and that corresponding angles are congruent (meaning of equal measures). Also, corresponding linear dimensions are equal. You have this numeric situation.
7%2F5=%28x%2B4%29%2F%28x%2B1%29
and you can solve for x.

The second problem works the same way.
Heights 9 and 7; corresponding sides x-7 and x,
9%2F7=%28x-7%29%2Fx
Solve for x.