The triangle share the exact same shape

Triangle one right side 11.4 in bottom 18 in
Triangle 2 right side x bottom 23.4 in

What is the length of x in decimal form to the nearest hundredth

1 answer

Since the triangles share the same shape, they are similar triangles. We can set up a proportion based on their corresponding sides.

For Triangle 1:

  • Right side = 11.4 inches
  • Bottom = 18 inches

For Triangle 2:

  • Right side = \( x \) inches
  • Bottom = 23.4 inches

We can set up the proportion:

\[ \frac{11.4}{18} = \frac{x}{23.4} \]

Now, we can cross-multiply to solve for \( x \):

\[ 11.4 \cdot 23.4 = 18 \cdot x \]

Calculating \( 11.4 \cdot 23.4 \):

\[ 11.4 \cdot 23.4 = 267.96 \]

So we have:

\[ 267.96 = 18x \]

Now, divide both sides by 18 to isolate \( x \):

\[ x = \frac{267.96}{18} \approx 14.88 \]

Thus, the length of \( x \) to the nearest hundredth is:

\[ \boxed{14.88} \]