Answer:
A) 8
Step-by-step explanation:
There are two ways you can solve this:
- Pythagorean Theorem
- Division/Proportion
Pythagorean Theorem:
The Pythagorean Theorem states: [tex]a^{2} +b^{2} =c^{2}[/tex] and [tex]c^{2} -a^{2} =b^{2}[/tex] or [tex]c^{2} -b^{2} =a^{2}[/tex]. Sides a and b represent the legs of the right triangle. The side length c represents the hypotenuse. So, we need to find one of the legs (b) of the smaller triangle. To do this, we can use the equation:
Division/Proportion:
Line DH has two measures: 3 and 6. The total length of the line is 9. This means that triangle DHM has a side length of 9 compared to triangle FHK's side length of 6. Turn this into the ratio 9:6. Now divide 9/6 to get 1.5. This means that the larger triangle (DHM) is 1.5 times larger than the smaller triangle (FHK). To solve for side length b, divide 12/1.5 to get 8.
Note:
Hope it helps!
