Answer :
Answer: 2.8 inches
Step-by-step explanation:
Given : The beams intersect each other to form two similar triangles ΔQRP and ΔARC .
PR = 3.4 inches
CR = 5.1 inches.
AC = 4.2 inches
To find : PQ
We know that the corresponding sides of two similar triangles are proportional.
i.e. for similar triangles ΔQRP and ΔARC , we have
[tex]\Rightarrow \dfrac{PQ}{AC}=\dfrac{PR}{CR}\\\\\Rightarrow\dfrac{PQ}{4.2}=\dfrac{3.4}{5.1}\\\\\Rightarrow\ PQ=4.2\times\dfrac{3.4}{5.1}=2.8\text{ inches}[/tex]
Hence, the distance between the endpoints of the beams P and Q = 2.8 inches
.