How do you find a missing length in a triangle? I have two triangles. The lengths given are 18:27:x and the other one is 14:21:28.

Answer 1

I don't understand the question. You have only one missing length for two triangles?

I do note that the ratio of sides in the two cases is

2:3:(1/3)x
2:3:4

Just considering triangle 1, x could be anything less than 45 (bonus question: why?).

Maybe you want x so that the two triangles will be the same shape - same angles. If so, I think I've given you a big clue by writing the ratios of sides.

Answer 2

Perfect. I figured out what x was but I couldn't figure out how to show the calculations! The answer is 36, I think? Do you get the same thing?

Answer 3

Yes, absolutely!

Try this:

18 : 27 : x = 2*9 : 3*9 : x

14 : 21 : 28 = 2*7 : 3*7 : 4*7

Clearer now?

Answer 4

Yes, perfectly. Thank you. Sorry I wasn't clearer on my question asking