A Quick Geometry Question -- Please Explain!!

Question

Point B is between points A and C. AC = 24 cm, and BC = 3AB. Find the length of AB and BC.

Answer 1

Draw line AC with point B in the line.

 

|----------------------------|------------------------------|

A                                   B                                      C

 

 

Using this diagram, we can establish an equation that shows the sum of the segments.

 

AB + BC = AC

 

AB + 3AB = AC

 

AB + 3AB = 24

 

 

Solve for AB. 

 

4AB = 24

 

  AB = 6 cm

 

 

Then,

 

BC = 3AB

BC = 3(6 cm)

BC = 18 cm

Answer 2

 

*_________*____________________ *

A                 B                3AB                C

<-----------------24CM----------------->

 

 

AB + BC = 24

BC = 3AB

 

AB + 3AB = 24    BECAUSE BC=3AB

4AB = 24

AB = 6 cm

 

BC = 3AB = 18 cm