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Analyze what lengths you are given and use either the Geometric Mean (Altitude) Theorem or the Geometric Mean (Leg) Theorem.
4
Let's take a look at the given triangle.
Since we know the length of the altitude, and the expressions that represent the partial segments of the hypotenuse, we will use the Geometric Mean (Altitude) Theorem to find the value of m.
We want to compare the theorem to the expressions in our figure. In our case, 6 is the length of the altitude, and m and m+5 are the lengths of the partial segments of the hypotenuse. AD/CD = CD/DB ⇔ m/6 = 6/m+5 Now, we can find the value of m.
LHS * 6=RHS* 6
a/6* 6 = a
a/c* b = a* b/c
Multiply
LHS * (m+5)=RHS* (m+5)
a/(m+5)* (m+5) = a
Distribute m
LHS-36=RHS-36
Write as a difference
Factor out m
Factor out - 4
Factor out (m+4)
Use the Zero Product Property
(I): LHS+4=RHS+4
(II): LHS-9=RHS-9
Since lengths cannot be negative, m is equal to 4.