Question

the pentagons abcde and jklmn are similar. find the length x of jk.

Explanation:

Step1: Set up proportion

Since the pentagons are similar, the ratios of corresponding sides are equal. We can set up the proportion $\frac{AB}{JK}=\frac{DE}{MN}$. Given $AB = 3$, $DE = 4$, $MN = 16$. Let $JK=x$. So the proportion is $\frac{3}{x}=\frac{4}{16}$.

Step2: Cross - multiply

Cross - multiplying gives us $4x=3\times16$.

Step3: Solve for x

First, calculate $3\times16 = 48$. Then we have $4x = 48$. Divide both sides by 4: $x=\frac{48}{4}=12$.

Answer:

$12$