Calculate AE in Triangle: Parallel Lines with Segments 6 and 10

Question

BC is parallel to DE.

Calculate AE.

151515101010222444666AAABBBCCCDDDEEE

Video Solution

Solution Steps

00:05 Let's find the length of AE.
00:08 We have parallel lines as shown in the given data.
00:12 Remember, corresponding angles between parallel lines are equal.
00:17 The triangles share the same vertex angle as given.
00:21 This means the triangles are similar by the angle-angle rule.
00:29 Next, we'll find the similarity ratio.
00:37 Now, substitute the appropriate values and solve for AE.
00:45 Remember, the whole side equals the sum of its parts.
00:53 Here, the similarity ratio does not match, making the drawing incorrect.
00:58 And that's how we solve the problem. Well done!

Step-by-Step Solution

Let's prove that triangles ADE and ABC are similar using:

Since DE is parallel to BC, angles ADE and ABC are equal (according to the law - between parallel lines, corresponding angles are equal)

Angle DAE and angle BAC are equal since it's the same angle

After we proved that the triangles are similar, let's write the given data from the drawing according to the following similarity ratio:

ADAB=DEBC=AEAC \frac{AD}{AB}=\frac{DE}{BC}=\frac{AE}{AC}

We know that - AB=AD+DB=6+4=10 AB=AD+DB=6+4=10

610=10154=AEAC \frac{6}{10}=\frac{10}{154}=\frac{AE}{AC}

Let's reduce the fractions:

35=23 \frac{3}{5}=\frac{2}{3}

This statement is incorrect, meaning the data in the drawing contradicts the fact that the triangles are similar. Therefore, the drawing is impossible.

Answer

Impossible as the shape in the figure cannot exist.