# need help with similar trinagle problem

• September 1st 2009, 10:33 PM
realistic
need help with similar trinagle problem
http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/4434/similar.jpg
Given thatYM = 3a, MZ = a+2, LM = 18 and XZ = 30, find a in the following diagram
• September 1st 2009, 11:46 PM
eXist
Cause they are similar triangles you can setup a ratio:

$
\frac{3a}{3a + (a + 2)} = \frac{18}{30} \Rightarrow \frac{3a}{4a + 2} = \frac{18}{30}
$

Cross multiply:
• September 1st 2009, 11:49 PM
realistic
Quote:

Originally Posted by eXist
Cause they are similar triangles you can setup a ratio:

$
\frac{3a}{3a + (a + 2)} = \frac{18}{30}
$

yeah that is what i had but the other way round, in not sure if that is correct? Or can a figure be worked out for a?
• September 1st 2009, 11:51 PM
eXist
Cross multiply from there:

$
(3a)(30) = (4a + 2)(18)
$

$
90a = 72a + 36
$

$
18a = 36
$

$
a = 2
$
• September 2nd 2009, 12:13 AM
realistic
Quote:

Originally Posted by eXist
Cross multiply from there:

$
(3a)(30) = (4a + 2)(18)
$

$
90a = 72a + 36
$

$
18a = 36
$

$
a = 2
$

ah i c thanks for detailed explanation (Bow)