Difference between revisions of "2012 AMC 10B Problems/Problem 14"

(Solution)
(Solution)
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<math>2\times\frac{\sqrt{3}}{4}(2\sqrt{3}-2)^2 = 8\sqrt{3} - 12</math>
 
<math>2\times\frac{\sqrt{3}}{4}(2\sqrt{3}-2)^2 = 8\sqrt{3} - 12</math>
  
Thus, answer choice <math>D</math> is correct.
+
Thus, answer choice <math>\boxed{D}</math> is correct.
  
 
==See Also==
 
==See Also==

Revision as of 19:30, 15 October 2017

Problem

Two equilateral triangles are contained in square whose side length is $2\sqrt 3$. The bases of these triangles are the opposite side of the square, and their intersection is a rhombus. What is the area of the rhombus?

$\text{(A) } \frac{3}{2} \qquad \text{(B) } \sqrt 3 \qquad \text{(C) } 2\sqrt 2 -   1  \qquad \text{(D) } 8\sqrt 3 - 12 \qquad \text{(E)}  \frac{4\sqrt 3}{3}$

Solution

2012 AMC-10B-14.jpg

Observe that the rhombus is made up of two congruent equilateral triangles with side length equal to GF. Since AE has length $\sqrt{3}$ and triangle AEF is a 30-60-90 triangle, it follows that EF has length 1. By symmetry, HG also has length 1. Thus GF has length $2\sqrt{3} - 2$. The formula for the area of an equilateral triangle of length s is $\frac{\sqrt{3}}{4}s^2$. It follows that the area of the rhombus is:

$2\times\frac{\sqrt{3}}{4}(2\sqrt{3}-2)^2 = 8\sqrt{3} - 12$

Thus, answer choice $\boxed{D}$ is correct.

See Also

2012 AMC 10B (ProblemsAnswer KeyResources)
Preceded by
Problem 13
Followed by
Problem 15
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All AMC 10 Problems and Solutions

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