MQ=2
QP=X
MN=4
NO=3
A.1/2
B.2
C.3/2
D.3
QP=X
MN=4
NO=3
A.1/2
B.2
C.3/2
D.3
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You are told that the triangles are similar which means that the two triangles have the same interior angles, and the sides of the triangles are related by a common scaling factor. The lengths of sides MQ and MP are scaled by the same amount that the sides of MN and MO are scaled (this along with the same interior angles makes them similar). To determine the scaling factor take the ratio of MQ to MP.
To force the condition of similar triangles, the ratio of MN to MO needs to be same as the ratio of MQ to MP (i.e., the same scaling factor).
MQ/MP = MN/MO;
2/(2-x) = 4/(4-3);
2/(2-x) = 4;
Solving for x:
1). Multiply both sides by (2-x). (ANS: 2 = 4(2-x)).
2). Divide both sides by 4. (ANS: 1/2 = (2-x) ).
3). Isolate x. (ANS: x = 2 - 1/2 ).
Answer is C.
To force the condition of similar triangles, the ratio of MN to MO needs to be same as the ratio of MQ to MP (i.e., the same scaling factor).
MQ/MP = MN/MO;
2/(2-x) = 4/(4-3);
2/(2-x) = 4;
Solving for x:
1). Multiply both sides by (2-x). (ANS: 2 = 4(2-x)).
2). Divide both sides by 4. (ANS: 1/2 = (2-x) ).
3). Isolate x. (ANS: x = 2 - 1/2 ).
Answer is C.