In the solution for #12 reads "Thus CE=2x=2(2)=4”
Then later in the same solution, when applying the Pythagorean Theorem the reads “6^2+b^2=10^2” to solve for b.
Why 6^2? If CE=4 then shouldn’t it read 4^2?

Is this s typo, or what am I missing?

CE does equal 4 but the other leg of the triangle is not CE. The leg is EB, which is 6 - check out the diagram.

This illustrates the importance of drawing and completely labeling the picture. :)

hi, i have a different question concerning this problem.

is there some type of theorem that states that line AE is the height of a trapezoid when a trapezoid is formed out of a rhombus or something to that effect? b/c unless it comes in a later chapter in the geometry guide how were we suppose to know that? i kinda err on the side of not always trusting the drawing and since there was no 90 degree symbol on line AD with the dotted line, i didnt want to assume anything.


thanks in advance!

I think you meant line AE (the dotted line), not AD? In my book, that does indeed have a right angle symbol on it. Perhaps it was left out in a previous printing and has since been corrected. Yes, you'd need to have that info somehow.