Question

use similar triangles to find the lengths in the following applied problems. show the proportions you use when finding the side length.

1. a bush is sighted on the other side of a river. use similar triangles in the diagram to find the width of the river.

Explanation:

Step1: Set up proportion

Since the two triangles are similar, the ratios of their corresponding sides are equal. We have the proportion $\frac{x}{45}=\frac{8}{20}$.

Step2: Cross - multiply

Cross - multiplying gives us $20x = 45\times8$.

Step3: Solve for x

First, calculate $45\times8 = 360$. Then, $x=\frac{360}{20}=18$.

Answer:

$18$ ft