1997 PMWC Problems/Problem T1

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Problem

Let $PQR$ be an equilateral triangle with sides of length three units. $U$, $V$, $W$, $X$, $Y$, and $Z$ divide the sides into lengths of one unit. Find the ratio of the area of the shaded quadrilateral $UWXY$ to the area of the triangle $PQR$.

1997 PMWC team 1.png

Solution

Triangles UWQ, PUY, UWX, and UXY are all right triangles with side lengths 1, $\sqrt{3}$, and 2. Thus $[UWXY]=\sqrt{3}$ and $[PQR]=\frac{9}{4}\sqrt{3}$. $\frac{[UWXY]}{[PQR]}=\frac{1}{\frac{9}{4}}=\boxed{\frac{4}{9}}$

See also