3 points M, N and K are collinear. MN = 15cm, NK = 18cm. Find MK.

There are two solutions to this problem. Since the problem does not indicate which of the segments is larger, we will consider the option where MK is the larger segment, and the option where NK is the larger segment.

1. If MK is a larger segment, then it is equal to NK + MN, therefore MK = 18 + 15 = 33cm.

2. If NK is the larger segment, then MK is equal to NK – MN, therefore MK = 18 – 15 = 3cm.

Answer: 33cm or 3cm.



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