M is the midpoint of AB. If the length of the line segment AM is 20, and the length of the line segment MB is 3x + 8, what is the value of x?
3 x + 8 = 20
To find the value of x, we'll use the fact that M is the midpoint of AB.
By definition, the midpoint of a line segment divides it into two equal parts. In this case, the line segment AM is equal to the line segment MB.
So, we can set up an equation:
AM = MB
Substituting the given values:
20 = 3x + 8
Now, let's solve for x.
Start by isolating the term with x by subtracting 8 from both sides:
20 - 8 = 3x
Simplifying:
12 = 3x
Next, divide both sides by 3 to solve for x:
12/3 = x
Simplifying:
4 = x
Therefore, the value of x is 4.