The following equation is an example of a literal equation. 2(x+a)=4b a. solve the given equation for the variable a. in your final answer, include all of your work. b. in two or more complete sentences, explain the specific process that you followed in solving for a.

1/800 is the right answer

geometry: triangles

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call the larger triangle abc

then the smaller triangle cde is similar to abc (all angles are equal, aaa).  

ab is the side that is 36, and we wish to find de, the side corresponding to ab

area_cde = area_abc - area_cde --> area_abc / area_cde = 2

let x=length of de

ratio of areas = (ratio of sides)^2

+2+=+%2836%2fx%29%5e2+

+2+=+1296%2fx%5e2+

++x%5e2+=+1296%2f2+=+648+

25.45584