1. **Problem statement:** We have a triangle with base $AB = 8m$ and a segment $DE$ inside the triangle parallel to $AB$ with length $DE = 5m$. The sides from the top vertex to $B$ and $A$ are $5m$ and $4m$ respectively. We want to find the length of $AB$ to the nearest meter. 2. **Understanding the problem:** Since $DE$ is parallel to $AB$, triangles $ADE$ and $ABC$ are similar by the AA similarity criterion. 3. **Using similarity ratios:** The ratio of corresponding sides in similar triangles is equal. So, $$\frac{DE}{AB} = \frac{AD}{AC} = \frac{AE}{BC}$$ 4. **Given values:** - $DE = 5m$ - $AB = 8m$ - Sides from top vertex to $B$ and $A$ are $5m$ and $4m$ respectively. 5. **Calculate the scale factor:** $$\text{scale factor} = \frac{DE}{AB} = \frac{5}{8}$$ 6. **Calculate the length of $AB$:** Since $AB$ is given as $8m$, the length of $AB$ to the nearest meter is $8m$. **Final answer:** $8$ meters