Points A, B, and C are collinear and labeled in that order. If AB = 5(x + 2), BC = 8x – 3, and AC = 72, what is the length of BC?

Answer 1

Points A, B, and C are collinear and labeled in that order. If AB = 5(x + 2), BC = 8x – 3, and AC = 72, what is the length of BC?

AB +BC =AC -------- as Points A, B, and C are collinear and labeled in that order.

5(x+2) + 8x -3 = 72

5x +10 +8x -3 = 72

13x + 7 =72

13 x = 65

x = 5

BC = 8x -3 = 8(5) -3 =40 -3 =37

Answer 2

Use the Segment Addition Postulate:

A------------B-------------------------C

5(x+2) 8x-3

AB + BC = AC

5(x+2) + 8x-3 = 72

5x + 10 + 8x - 3 = 72

Solve for x then solve for AB and BC.