Question

are similar. find the missing side length.
(the triangles are not drawn to scale.)

Explanation:

Step1: Set up the proportion

Since the triangles are similar, the ratios of corresponding sides are equal. Let the missing side length be \( x \). We have the proportion \(\frac{3}{45}=\frac{x}{72}\).

Step2: Cross - multiply

Cross - multiplying gives \(45x = 3\times72\).

Step3: Solve for \(x\)

First, calculate \(3\times72 = 216\). Then, \(x=\frac{216}{45}\). Simplifying \(\frac{216}{45}=\frac{216\div9}{45\div9}=\frac{24}{5} = 4.8\).

Answer:

\(4.8\)