This is a neat little question. I don't think I've seen it before. Step one ======= Find c 3^2 + 4^2 = c^2 9 + 16 = c^2 c^2 = 25 c = 5
Step 2 ==== Set up your first equation for b^2 a^2 + 4^2 = b^2 from triangle XWY
Step 3 ===== Set up your second equation for b^2 25 +b^2 = (a + 3)^2 from triangle XWZ
Step 4 ===== Put the results of Step 2 into step 3 and solve 25 + a^2 + 16 = (a + 3)^2 Collect the like terms on the left. 41 + a^2 = (a + 3)^2 Expand the brackets on the right 41 + a^2 = a^2 + 6a + 9 Transfer the 9 to the left. 32 + a^2 = a^2 + 6a Subtract a^2 from both sides. 6a = 32 Divide by 6 a = 32 / 6 a = 5 2/6 a = 5 1/3
