Answer: 58
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Explanation:
M is the midpoint of segment PQ. This means PQ is cut in half into two equal smaller pieces PM and MQ. We can say that PM = MQ.
Furthermore, we can say that PQ is twice as long as either piece, so
We'll use the second equation to say the following:
PQ = 2*MQ
6x+56 = 2*MQ .... replace PQ with 6x+56
6x+56 = 2*(5x+8) .... replace MQ with 5x+8
6x+56 = 2*5x + 2*8 .... distribute
6x+56 = 10x+16
6x+56-10x = 16 .... subtract 10x from both sides
-4x+56 = 16
-4x = 16-56 ..... subtract 56 from both sides
-4x = -40
x = -40/(-4) ..... divide both sides by -4
x = 10
Once we know the value of x, we use it to find the length of PM
PM = MQ
PM = 5x+8
PM = 5*10+8
PM = 50+8
PM = 58
Note how PQ = 6x+56 = 6*10+56 = 116 is exactly twice as large compared to 58. In other words, 2*58 = 116. This confirms that PQ is twice as long compared to PM or MQ. This helps confirm we have the right answer.
