if you have two similar polygons and the scale factor is 3:5 and 12 times square root of 3 is one side, what is the cooresponding side

3 answers

let the other side be x

You don't say if 12SQRT(3) is a side in the smaller polygo, I will assume it is

then x/12SQRT(3) = 5/3

cross-multiply, and solve for x

If your given side is in the large polygon, then use

x/12SQRT(3) = 3/5
it the smaller side.. bt i don't know how to do the sq root
x/12SQRT(3) = 5/3
3x = 60SQR(3)
x = 20SQR(3)

SQRT(3) = appr 1.7321 (use your calculator to find it)
so
x = 20(1.7321)
= 34.642 (appr)

In higher math classes you would leave the answer in the form of 20SQRT(3)
notice the ratio of 12SQRT(3)/20SQRT(3)
=12/20
= 3/5 or 3:5