Question

Find the length of BC Show your work to support your answer

Answer 1

In the triangle ABC, D and E are the mid point of the sides AB and AC respectively.

Using mid point theorem the line DE is parallel to the side BC, hence triangle

ADE is similar to the ABC.

The side of the similar triangles are proportional,

`\begin{gathered} (AD)/(AB)=(DE)/(BC) \\ (1)/(2)=(2x+1)/(5x-4)\text{ (}\because AB=2AC) \\ 5x-4=2(2x+1) \\ 5x-4=4x+2 \\ x=6 \end{gathered}`

The length of BC can be determined as,

`\begin{gathered} BC=5x-4 \\ =5(6)-4 \\ =30-4 \\ =26 \end{gathered}`

Thus, the required value of side BC is 26.