Question

if these two shapes are similar, what is the measure of the missing length w?
12 in
4 in
1 in
w
w = \boxed{} inches

Explanation:

Step1: Set up similarity proportion

$\frac{12}{1} = \frac{4}{w}$

Step2: Cross-multiply to solve for w

$12w = 4\times1$

Step3: Isolate w by dividing

$w = \frac{4}{12}$

Step4: Simplify the fraction

$w = \frac{1}{3}$

Answer:

$\frac{1}{3}$ inches