Question

type the correct answer in the box. a flight of stairs is supported by two columns, as shown in the diagram. the distance from the base of the stairs to the taller column is feet.

Explanation:

Step1: Identify similar triangles

The two - triangle formed by the stairs and the columns are similar. Let the distance from the base of the stairs to the taller column be $x$ feet.

Step2: Set up proportion

Since the triangles are similar, the ratios of their corresponding sides are equal. We have the proportion $\frac{6}{12}=\frac{4}{x}$.

Step3: Cross - multiply

Cross - multiplying gives us $6x = 4\times12$.

Step4: Solve for $x$

$6x=48$, then $x = 8$.

Answer:

8