Thread: Parallel lines and proofs

Can anyone tell me how to find the value of x in this picture? http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/1103/40973099.jpg

I would also like some help in writing two-column proofs since I don't understand it at all... I would like some help with this problem http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/8045/98089481.jpg
I'm supposed to prove J is parallel to K

This is what I got for my columns
L ll n | given
Angle 12 is congruent to angle 8 | given

I just basically know how to write the given

If anyone helps me much appreciated!

if lines L || M
angle mbp =angle lcp = 19x
and
angle mbp + angle nbp = 180

therefore ,19x+17x=180
x=5