Difference between revisions of "2008 AIME I Problems/Problem 10"
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− | Assuming that <math>ADE</math> is a triangle and applying the [[triangle inequality]], we see that <math>AD | + | Assuming that <math>ADE</math> is a triangle and applying the [[triangle inequality]], we see that <math>AD > 20\sqrt {7}</math>. However, if <math>AD</math> is strictly greater than <math>20\sqrt {7}</math>, then the circle with radius <math>10\sqrt {21}</math> and center <math>A</math> does not touch <math>DC</math>, which implies that <math>AC > 10\sqrt {21}</math>, a contradiction. As a result, A, D, and E are collinear. Therefore, <math>AD = 20\sqrt {7}</math>. |
Thus, <math>ADC</math> and <math>ACF</math> are <math>30-60-90</math> triangles. Hence <math>AF = 15\sqrt {7}</math>, and | Thus, <math>ADC</math> and <math>ACF</math> are <math>30-60-90</math> triangles. Hence <math>AF = 15\sqrt {7}</math>, and |
Revision as of 18:49, 5 March 2013
Problem
Let be an isosceles trapezoid with whose angle at the longer base is . The diagonals have length , and point is at distances and from vertices and , respectively. Let be the foot of the altitude from to . The distance can be expressed in the form , where and are positive integers and is not divisible by the square of any prime. Find .
Solution
Solution 1
Assuming that is a triangle and applying the triangle inequality, we see that . However, if is strictly greater than , then the circle with radius and center does not touch , which implies that , a contradiction. As a result, A, D, and E are collinear. Therefore, .
Thus, and are triangles. Hence , and
Finally, the answer is .
Solution 2
No restrictions are set on the lengths of the bases, so for calculational simplicity let . Since is a triangle, .
The answer is . Note that while this is not rigorous, the above solution shows that is indeed the only possibility.
Solution 3
Extend through , to meet (extended through ) at . is an equilateral triangle because of the angle conditions on the base.
If then , because and therefore .
By simple angle chasing, is a 30-60-90 triangle and thus , and
Similarly is a 30-60-90 triangle and thus .
Equating and solving for , and thus .
and
See also
2008 AIME I (Problems • Answer Key • Resources) | ||
Preceded by Problem 9 |
Followed by Problem 11 | |
1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 • 6 • 7 • 8 • 9 • 10 • 11 • 12 • 13 • 14 • 15 | ||
All AIME Problems and Solutions |