To find the value of \( x \) in the similar pentagons \( fghjk \) and \( mpqst \), we can use the property of similar polygons, which states that the ratios of corresponding sides are equal.
Given:
- The length between \( k \) and \( f \) is \( 8 \) cm.
- The length between \( j \) and \( h \) is \( 12 \) cm.
- The length between \( t \) and \( m \) is \( 12 \) cm.
- The length between \( s \) and \( q \) is \( x \) cm.
We can set up the proportion based on the corresponding sides of the similar pentagons: \[ \frac{kf}{tm} = \frac{jh}{sq} \]
Substituting the known values into the proportion: \[ \frac{8}{12} = \frac{12}{x} \]
Now, we can cross-multiply to solve for \( x \): \[ 8x = 12 \cdot 12 \]
Calculate \( 12 \cdot 12 \): \[ 8x = 144 \]
Next, isolate \( x \) by dividing both sides by \( 8 \): \[ x = \frac{144}{8} \]
Perform the division: \[ x = 18 \]
Thus, the length \( x \) between \( s \) and \( q \) in pentagon \( mpqst \) is \( 18 \) cm.
In summary, we set up the proportion:
- \( \frac{8}{12} = \frac{12}{x} \)
- Cross multiplied to get \( 8x = 144 \)
- Divided by \( 8 \) to solve for \( x \): \( x = 18 \) cm.