Question

Use the image to answer the question.

A line, x, divides a right triangle from the vertex opposite the hypotenuse to the hypotenuse. The line x forms a second right angle, marked by a small square, where it meets the hypotenuse, and it divides the hypotenuse into 5 and 12.

Use the geometric mean to solve for the value of x.

(1 point)
Responses

2.65
2.65

17
17

7.75
7.75

60
60
Skip to navigation

Answer 1

Use the altitude-to-hypotenuse theorem: the altitude equals the geometric mean of the two hypotenuse segments.

x = sqrt(5·12) = sqrt(60) ≈ 7.75

Answer: 7.75