# Triangle partial length of hypotenuse [closed]

How can I solve for X?

What I did was solve for C, and then took (6/6+2)*C. It seems to work but I am not completely sure. Is there a better way?

## closed as off-topic by Apep, Glorfindel, Ankoganit, APrough, MithrandirNov 30 '17 at 16:42

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• "This question is off-topic as it appears to be a mathematics problem, as opposed to a mathematical puzzle. For more info, see "Are math-textbook-style problems on topic?" on meta." – Apep, Glorfindel, Ankoganit, APrough, Mithrandir
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• What is it that leaves you unsatisfied with what you've done so far? – Gareth McCaughan Nov 30 '17 at 14:26
• And: why (given that you are "not completely sure") did you do that particular calculation rather than some other? – Gareth McCaughan Nov 30 '17 at 14:28
• I guess it works but I am not capable of formulating a proof. Was also wondering if there were any alternative formulas to use. – amikic Nov 30 '17 at 14:29
• It's all I could think of....I'm not a math genius, hence why I am here. – amikic Nov 30 '17 at 14:31
• I think you shouldn't be thinking in terms of "what formula can I find that will solve this?" but in terms of "what do I know about triangles in general, and this particular triangle, that will help?". So first of all you found C (you didn't say how, but there's an obvious way which I guess you used). Very sensible. But then why -- I'm not looking for a formalized proof but for any kind of explanation -- the particular calculation you did next? – Gareth McCaughan Nov 30 '17 at 14:33

Both outer and inner triangles are similar (AAA similarity) Therefore , $\frac{6}{6+2} = \frac{x}{7}$ . i.e., x = $\frac{21}{4}$.