2012 AMC 10B Problems/Problem 21
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[hide]Problem
Four distinct points are arranged on a plane so that the segments connecting them have lengths , , , , , and . What is the ratio of to ?
Solution
When you see that there are lengths a and 2a, one could think of 30-60-90 triangles. Since all of the other's lengths are a, you could think that . Drawing the points out, it is possible to have a diagram where . It turns out that and could be the lengths of a 30-60-90 triangle, and the other 3 can be the lengths of an equilateral triangle formed from connecting the dots. So, , so
Solution 2
For any non-collinear points with the given requirement, notice that there must be a triangle with side lengths , , , which is not possible as . Thus at least of the points must be collinear.
If all points are collinear, then there would only be lines of length , which wouldn't work.
If exactly points are collinear, the only possibility that works is when a triangle is formed.
Thus , or
~ Nafer
Solution 3 (using the answer choices)
We know that form a triangle. From triangle inequality, we see that . Then, we also see that there is an isosceles triangle with lengths . From triangle inequality: . The only answer choice that holds these two inequalities is: .
Video Solution by Richard Rusczyk
https://artofproblemsolving.com/videos/amc/2012amc10b/271
~dolphin7
(Direct Youtube Link) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sL7bhkVivo
~lukiebear
See Also
2012 AMC 10B (Problems • Answer Key • Resources) | ||
Preceded by Problem 20 |
Followed by Problem 22 | |
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All AMC 10 Problems and Solutions |
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