Note: Enter your answer and show all the steps that you use to solve this problem in the space provided.

The diagram shows two campsites on opposite ends of a lake and two triangles formed by intersecting segments from the campsites.

Campsites F and G are on opposite sides of a lake. A survey crew made the measurements shown on the diagram. What is the distance between the two campsites? The diagram is not drawn to scale. The triangles are proportional.

1 answer

To find the distance between the two campsites, we can use the concept of similar triangles.

Let's denote the distance between Campsite F and the intersecting point as x.

Using the concept of similar triangles, we can set up the following proportion:

(Length of DF) / (Length of AC) = (Length of GF) / (Length of BC)

Plugging in the given measurements, we have:

(4 + x) / 25 = (8 + 2x) / 40

Cross multiplying, we have:

(4 + x) * 40 = (8 + 2x) * 25

Expanding both sides, we have:

160 + 40x = 200 + 50x

Rearranging the equation, we have:

10x = 40

Dividing both sides by 10, we get:

x = 4

Therefore, the distance between the two campsites (FG) is 4 + 8 + 2(4) = 4 + 8 + 8 = 20 units.