A straight line parallel to side AC of triangle ABC intersects sides AB and BC at points M

A straight line parallel to side AC of triangle ABC intersects sides AB and BC at points M and H, respectively, MB = 2 cm, AM = 14 cm, MH = 4 cm What is the length of side AC?

This is almost a typical task like triangles. Since the straight line МН is parallel to the side АС, then by definition МН cuts off a similar triangle МН from the triangle ABC. And in such triangles, the sides opposite to equal angles are proportional. Or, switching to the language of formulas, we get:

AB: MB = AC: MH, whence AC = AB * MN: MB.

In this proportion for finding the AC, the value of AB is unknown, which is not difficult to find by its components AM and MB.

AB = AM + MB = 14 cm + 2 cm = 16 cm.

AC = 16 cm * 4 cm: 2 cm = 32 cm.

Answer: AC = 32 cm.



One of the components of a person's success in our time is receiving modern high-quality education, mastering the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for life in society. A person today needs to study almost all his life, mastering everything new and new, acquiring the necessary professional qualities.