If PQ =20, QR = x+15 and PR = 4x-1 what is PR

Simpllify your answer and write it as a proper fraction mixed number or integer

1 answer

To solve for \( PR \), we can start by using the fact that \( PQ + QR = PR \).

We are given the lengths:

  • \( PQ = 20 \)
  • \( QR = x + 15 \)
  • \( PR = 4x - 1 \)

According to the segment addition postulate, we can write:

\[ PQ + QR = PR \]

Substituting in the lengths we have:

\[ 20 + (x + 15) = 4x - 1 \]

Now, simplify the left side:

\[ 20 + x + 15 = 4x - 1 \]

This becomes:

\[ 35 + x = 4x - 1 \]

Next, let's isolate \( x \) by moving \( x \) to the right side and \( -1 \) to the left side:

\[ 35 + 1 = 4x - x \]

This simplifies to:

\[ 36 = 3x \]

Now, divide both sides by 3:

\[ x = 12 \]

Now that we have \( x \), we can find \( PR \) using the expression for \( PR \):

\[ PR = 4x - 1 \]

Substituting \( x = 12 \):

\[ PR = 4(12) - 1 \]

Calculating:

\[ PR = 48 - 1 = 47 \]

So, \( PR = 47 \).

Thus, the value of \( PR \) is:

\[ \boxed{47} \]