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Difference between revisions of "2020 AMC 10A Problems/Problem 12"

(Solution where the figure is drawn out and area is approximated deleted due to inability to directly construct figure with given information)
(→‎Problem 12)
 
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== Problem ==
+
== Problem 12 ==  
 +
Triangle <math>AMC</math> is isosceles with <math>AM = AC</math>. Medians <math>\overline{MV}</math> and <math>\overline{CU}</math> are perpendicular to each other, and <math>MV=CU=12</math>. What is the area of <math>\triangle AMC?</math>
  
−
Triangle <math>AMC</math> is isoceles with <math>AM = AC</math>. Medians <math>\overline{MV}</math> and <math>\overline{CU}</math> are perpendicular to each other, and <math>MV=CU=12</math>. What is the area of <math>\triangle AMC?</math>
+
<asy>
 +
draw((-4,0)--(4,0)--(0,12)--cycle);
 +
draw((-2,6)--(4,0));
 +
draw((2,6)--(-4,0));
 +
draw((-2,6)--(2,6));
 +
label("M", (-4,0), W);
 +
label("C", (4,0), E);
 +
label("A", (0, 12), N);
 +
label("V", (2, 6), NE);
 +
label("U", (-2, 6), NW);
 +
label("P", (0, 3.6), S);
 +
</asy>
  
 
<math>\textbf{(A) } 48 \qquad \textbf{(B) } 72 \qquad \textbf{(C) } 96 \qquad \textbf{(D) } 144 \qquad \textbf{(E) } 192</math>
 
<math>\textbf{(A) } 48 \qquad \textbf{(B) } 72 \qquad \textbf{(C) } 96 \qquad \textbf{(D) } 144 \qquad \textbf{(E) } 192</math>
Line 10: Line 22:
 
<cmath>72=\frac 34\cdot [AMC]</cmath>
 
<cmath>72=\frac 34\cdot [AMC]</cmath>
 
<cmath>[AMC]=96\rightarrow \boxed{\textbf{(C)}}.</cmath>
 
<cmath>[AMC]=96\rightarrow \boxed{\textbf{(C)}}.</cmath>
 +
 +
Note: We know that since <math>AU</math> is the median <math>AU</math> divided by <math>AM</math> is <math>1/2</math>. Since triangle <math>AUV</math> is similar to triangle <math>AMC</math>, and by a factor of <math>1/2</math>, then every sidelength of <math>AMC</math> must also be scaled by a factor of <math>1/2</math> to get <math>AUV</math>. The base and height are all scaled by <math>1/2</math>, so then the ratio is <math>1/2 \cdot 1/2</math>.
 +
 +
~<B+ converted "Note" into proper LaTeX as it was in plain text previously when it was required to convert into LaTeX by writer of the "Note"
  
 
==Solution 2 (Trapezoid)==
 
==Solution 2 (Trapezoid)==
Line 25: Line 41:
 
</asy>
 
</asy>
  
−
We know that <math>\triangle AUV \sim \triangle AMC</math>, and since the ratios of its sides are <math>\frac{1}{2}</math>, the ratio of of their areas is <math>(\frac{1}{2})^2=\frac{1}{4}</math>.  
+
We know that <math>\triangle AUV \sim \triangle AMC</math>, and since the ratios of its sides are <math>\frac{1}{2}</math>, the ratio of of their areas is <math>\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^2=\frac{1}{4}</math>.  
  
 
If <math>\triangle AUV</math> is <math>\frac{1}{4}</math> the area of <math>\triangle AMC</math>, then trapezoid <math>MUVC</math> is <math>\frac{3}{4}</math> the area of <math>\triangle AMC</math>.  
 
If <math>\triangle AUV</math> is <math>\frac{1}{4}</math> the area of <math>\triangle AMC</math>, then trapezoid <math>MUVC</math> is <math>\frac{3}{4}</math> the area of <math>\triangle AMC</math>.  
Line 56: Line 72:
 
</asy>
 
</asy>
  
−
Since we know that all medians of a triangle intersect at the incenter, we know that <math>\overline{AB}</math> passes through point <math>P</math>. We also know that medians of a triangle divide each other into segments of ratio <math>2:1</math>. Knowing this, we can see that <math>\overline{PC}:\overline{UP}=2:1</math>, and since the two segments sum to <math>12</math>, <math>\overline{PC}</math> and <math>\overline{UP}</math> are <math>8</math> and <math>4</math>, respectively.
+
Since we know that all medians of a triangle intersect at the centroid, we know that <math>\overline{AB}</math> passes through point <math>P</math>. We also know that medians of a triangle divide each other into segments of ratio <math>2:1</math>. Knowing this, we can see that <math>\overline{PC}:\overline{UP}=2:1</math>, and since the two segments sum to <math>12</math>, <math>\overline{PC}</math> and <math>\overline{UP}</math> are <math>8</math> and <math>4</math>, respectively.
  
 
Finally knowing that the medians divide the triangle into <math>6</math> sections of equal area, finding the area of <math>\triangle PUM</math> is enough. <math>\overline{PC} = \overline{MP} = 8</math>.
 
Finally knowing that the medians divide the triangle into <math>6</math> sections of equal area, finding the area of <math>\triangle PUM</math> is enough. <math>\overline{PC} = \overline{MP} = 8</math>.
  
−
The area of <math>\triangle PUM = \frac{4\cdot8}{2}=16</math>. Multiplying this by <math>6</math> gives us <math>6\cdot16=\boxed{\textbf{(C) }96}</math> ~quacker88
+
The area of <math>\triangle PUM = \frac{4\cdot8}{2}=16</math>. Multiplying this by <math>6</math> gives us <math>6\cdot16=\boxed{\textbf{(C) }96}</math>  
 +
 
 +
~quacker88
 +
 
 +
==Solution 4 (Triangles)==
 +
<asy>
 +
draw((-4,0)--(4,0)--(0,12)--cycle);
 +
draw((-2,6)--(4,0));
 +
draw((2,6)--(-4,0));
 +
draw((-2,6)--(2,6));
 +
label("M", (-4,0), W);
 +
label("C", (4,0), E);
 +
label("A", (0, 12), N);
 +
label("V", (2, 6), NE);
 +
label("U", (-2, 6), NW);
 +
label("P", (0, 3.6), S);
 +
</asy>
 +
We know that <math>AU = UM</math>, <math>AV = VC</math>, so <math>UV = \frac{1}{2} MC</math>.
 +
 
 +
As <math>\angle UPM = \angle VPC = 90</math>, we can see that <math>\triangle UPM \cong \triangle VPC</math> and <math>\triangle UVP \sim \triangle MPC</math> with a side ratio of <math>1 : 2</math>.
 +
 
 +
So <math>UP = VP = 4</math>, <math>MP = PC = 8</math>.
 +
 
 +
With that, we can see that <math>[\triangle UPM] = 16</math>, and the area of trapezoid <math>MUVC</math> is 72.
 +
 
 +
As said in solution 1, <math>[\triangle AMC] = 72  /  \frac{3}{4} = \boxed{\textbf{(C) } 96}</math>.
 +
 
 +
-QuadraticFunctions, solution 1 by ???
 +
 
 +
==Solution 5 (Only Pythagorean Theorem)==
 +
<asy>
 +
draw((-4,0)--(4,0)--(0,12)--cycle);
 +
draw((-2,6)--(4,0));
 +
draw((2,6)--(-4,0));
 +
draw((0,12)--(0,0));
 +
label("M", (-4,0), W);
 +
label("C", (4,0), E);
 +
label("A", (0, 12), N);
 +
label("V", (2, 6), NE);
 +
label("U", (-2, 6), NW);
 +
label("P", (0.5, 4), E);
 +
label("B", (0, 0), S);
 +
 
 +
</asy>
 +
 
 +
Let <math>AB</math> be the height. Since medians divide each other into a <math>2:1</math> ratio, and the medians have length 12, we have <math>PC=MP=8</math> and <math>UP=VP=4</math>. From right triangle <math>\triangle{MUP}</math>, <cmath>MU^2=MP^2+UP^2=8^2+4^2=80,</cmath> so <math>MU=\sqrt{80}=4\sqrt{5}</math>. Since <math>CU</math> is a median, <math>AM=8\sqrt{5}</math>. From right triangle <math>\triangle{MPC}</math>, <cmath>MC^2=MP^2+PC^2=8^2+8^2=128,</cmath> which implies <math>MC=\sqrt{128}=8\sqrt{2}</math>. By symmetry <math>MB=\dfrac{8\sqrt{2}}{2}=4\sqrt{2}</math>.
 +
 
 +
Applying the Pythagorean Theorem to right triangle <math>\triangle{MAB}</math> gives <math>AB^2=AM^2-MB^2=8\sqrt{5}^2-4\sqrt{2}^2=288</math>, so <math>AB=\sqrt{288}=12\sqrt{2}</math>. Then the area of <math>\triangle{AMC}</math> is <cmath>\dfrac{AB \cdot MC}{2}=\dfrac{8\sqrt{2} \cdot 12\sqrt{2}}{2}=\dfrac{96 \cdot 2}{2}=\boxed{\textbf{(C) }96}</cmath>
 +
 
 +
==Solution 6 (Drawing)==
 +
By similarity, the area of <math>AUV</math> is equal to <math>\frac{1}{4}</math>.
 +
 
 +
The area of <math>UVCM</math> is equal to 72.
 +
 
 +
Assuming the total area of the triangle is S, the equation will be : <math>\frac{3}{4}</math>S = 72.
 +
 
 +
S = <math>\boxed{\textbf{(C) }96}</math>
 +
 
 +
==Solution 7(fastest)==
 +
Given a triangle with perpendicular medians with lengths <math>x</math> and <math>y</math>, the area will be <math>\frac{2xy}{3}=\boxed{\textbf{(C) }96}</math>.
 +
 
 +
==Solution 8 ==
 +
Connect the line segment <math>UV</math> and it's easy to see quadrilateral <math>UVMC</math> has an area of the product of its diagonals divided by <math>2</math> which is <math>72</math>. Now, solving for triangle <math>AUV</math> could be an option, but the drawing shows the area of <math>AUV</math> will be less than the quadrilateral meaning the the area of <math>AMC</math> is less than <math>72*2</math> but greater than <math>72</math>, leaving only one possible answer choice, <math>\boxed{\textbf{(C) } 96}</math>.
 +
 
 +
-Rohan S.
 +
 
 +
==Solution 9==
 +
<asy>
 +
draw((-4,0)--(4,0)--(0,12)--cycle);
 +
draw((-2,6)--(4,0));
 +
draw((2,6)--(-4,0));
 +
draw((0,12)--(0,0));
 +
label("M", (-4,0), W);
 +
label("C", (4,0), E);
 +
label("A", (0, 12), N);
 +
label("V", (2, 6), NE);
 +
label("U", (-2, 6), NW);
 +
label("P", (0.5, 4), E);
 +
label("B", (0, 0), S);
 +
</asy>
 +
 
 +
Connect <math>AP</math>, and let <math>B</math> be the point where <math>AP</math> intersects <math>MC</math>. <math>MB=CB</math> because all medians of a triangle intersect at one point, which in this case is <math>P</math>. <math>MP:PV=2:1</math> because the point at which all medians intersect divides the medians into segments of ratio <math>2:1</math>, so <math>MP=8</math> and similarly <math>CP=8</math>. We apply the Pythagorean Theorem to triangle <math>MPC</math> and get <math>MC=\sqrt{128}=8\sqrt{2}</math>. The area of triangle <math>MPC</math> is <math>\dfrac{MP\cdot CP}{2}=32</math>, and that must equal to <math>\dfrac{MC\cdot BP}{2}</math>, so <math>BP=\dfrac{8}{\sqrt{2}}=4\cdot\sqrt{2}</math>. <math>BP=\dfrac{1}{3}BA</math>, so <math>BA=12\sqrt{2}</math>. The area of triangle <math>AMC</math> is equal to <math>\dfrac{MC\cdot BA}{2}=\dfrac{8 \cdot \sqrt{2} \cdot 12 \cdot \sqrt{2}}{2}=\boxed{\textbf{(C)}\ 96}</math>.
 +
 
 +
-SmileKat32
 +
 
 +
== Solution 10 (High IQ) ==
 +
<math>[\square MUVC] = 72</math>. Let intersection of line <math>AP</math> and base <math>MC</math> be <math>B</math> <cmath> [AUV]=[MUB]=[UVB]=[BVC] \implies \left[\frac{\triangle AMC}{4}\right] = \left[\frac{\square MUVC}{3}\right] \implies [AMC] = \boxed{\textbf{(C)}\ 96}</cmath>
 +
 
 +
~herobrine-india 
 +
 
 +
==Solution 11 (Kite)==
 +
<asy>
 +
draw((-4,0)--(4,0)--(0,12)--cycle);
 +
draw((-2,6)--(4,0));
 +
draw((2,6)--(-4,0));
 +
draw((-2,6)--(2,6));
 +
label("M", (-4,0), W);
 +
label("C", (4,0), E);
 +
label("A", (0, 12), N);
 +
label("V", (2, 6), NE);
 +
label("U", (-2, 6), NW);
 +
label("P", (0, 3.6), S);
 +
</asy>
 +
 
 +
Since <math>\overline{MV}</math> and <math>\overline{CU}</math> intersect at a right angle, this means <math>MUVC</math> is a kite. Hence, the area of this kite is <math>\frac{12 \cdot 12}{2} = 72</math>.
 +
 
 +
Also, notice that <math>\triangle AUV \sim \triangle AMC</math> by AAA Similarity. Since the ratios of its sides is <math>\frac{1}{2}</math>, the ratios of the area is <math>\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^2=\frac{1}{4}</math>. Therefore,
 +
 
 +
<cmath>[AMC] = [MUVC] + \frac{1}{4} \cdot [AMC]</cmath>
 +
 
 +
Simplifying gives us <math>\frac{3}{4} \cdot [AMC] = 72</math>, so <math>[AMC] = 72 \cdot \frac{4}{3} = \boxed{\textbf{(C)}\ 96}</math>
 +
 
 +
~MrThinker
 +
 
 +
==Solution 12 (Educated guessing)==
 +
Horizontally translate line <math>\overline{UC}</math> until point <math>U</math> is at point <math>V</math>, with <math>C</math> subsequently at <math>C'</math>, and then connect up <math>C'</math> and <math>C</math> to create <math>\triangle MVC'</math>, which is a right triangle.
  
−
==Video Solution==
+
<asy>
 +
draw((-4,0)--(4,0)--(0,12)--cycle);
 +
draw((-2,6)--(4,0));
 +
draw((2,6)--(-4,0));
 +
draw((-2,6)--(2,6));
 +
draw((2,6)--(8,0));
 +
draw((4,0)--(8,0));
 +
label("M", (-4,0), W);
 +
label("C", (4,0), S);
 +
label("A", (0, 12), N);
 +
label("V", (2, 6), NE);
 +
label("U", (-2, 6), NW);
 +
label("P", (0, 3.6), S);
 +
label("C'", (8,0), E);
 +
</asy>
 +
 
 +
Notice that <math>\triangle MVC'</math> = <math>12 \cdot 12 \cdot \frac{1}{2} = 72</math>, and <math>\triangle MVC'</math> = <math>\triangle MVC + \triangle MUV</math> (since the latter has the same base and height as the sub-triangle <math>\triangle CVC'</math> inside <math>\triangle MVC'</math>).
 +
 
 +
From this, we can deduce that <math>\textbf{(B)}</math> cannot be true, since an incomplete part of <math>\triangle AMC</math> is equal to it. We can also deduce that <math>\textbf{(D)}</math> also cannot be true, since the unknown triangle <math>\triangle AUV = \triangle MUV</math>, and <math>\triangle MUV = \triangle CVC' < \triangle MVC'</math>. Therefore, the answer must be between <math>72</math> and <math>144</math>, leaving <math>\boxed{\textbf{(C)}\ 96}</math> as the only possible correct answer.
 +
 
 +
~DifrractSliver
 +
 
 +
==Video Solution 1==
 +
 
 +
Education, The Study of Everything
 +
 
 +
https://youtu.be/0TslJ3aDXac
 +
 
 +
==Video Solution 2==
 
https://youtu.be/ZGwAasE32Y4
 
https://youtu.be/ZGwAasE32Y4
  
 
~IceMatrix
 
~IceMatrix
 +
 +
==Video Solution 3==
 +
https://youtu.be/7ZvKOYuwSnE
 +
 +
~savannahsolver
 +
 +
== Video Solution 4 by OmegaLearn ==
 +
https://youtu.be/4_x1sgcQCp4?t=2067
 +
 +
~ pi_is_3.14
  
 
==See Also==
 
==See Also==

Latest revision as of 08:55, 14 October 2024

Problem 12

Triangle $AMC$ is isosceles with $AM = AC$. Medians $\overline{MV}$ and $\overline{CU}$ are perpendicular to each other, and $MV=CU=12$. What is the area of $\triangle AMC?$

[asy] draw((-4,0)--(4,0)--(0,12)--cycle); draw((-2,6)--(4,0)); draw((2,6)--(-4,0)); draw((-2,6)--(2,6)); label("M", (-4,0), W); label("C", (4,0), E); label("A", (0, 12), N); label("V", (2, 6), NE); label("U", (-2, 6), NW); label("P", (0, 3.6), S); [/asy]

$\textbf{(A) } 48 \qquad \textbf{(B) } 72 \qquad \textbf{(C) } 96 \qquad \textbf{(D) } 144 \qquad \textbf{(E) } 192$

Solution 1

Since quadrilateral $UVCM$ has perpendicular diagonals, its area can be found as half of the product of the length of the diagonals. Also note that $\triangle AUV$ has $\frac 14$ the area of triangle $AMC$ by similarity, so $[UVCM]=\frac 34\cdot [AMC].$ Thus, \[\frac 12 \cdot 12\cdot 12=\frac 34 \cdot [AMC]\] \[72=\frac 34\cdot [AMC]\] \[[AMC]=96\rightarrow \boxed{\textbf{(C)}}.\]

Note: We know that since $AU$ is the median $AU$ divided by $AM$ is $1/2$. Since triangle $AUV$ is similar to triangle $AMC$, and by a factor of $1/2$, then every sidelength of $AMC$ must also be scaled by a factor of $1/2$ to get $AUV$. The base and height are all scaled by $1/2$, so then the ratio is $1/2 \cdot 1/2$.

~<B+ converted "Note" into proper LaTeX as it was in plain text previously when it was required to convert into LaTeX by writer of the "Note"

Solution 2 (Trapezoid)

[asy] draw((-4,0)--(4,0)--(0,12)--cycle); draw((-2,6)--(4,0)); draw((2,6)--(-4,0)); draw((-2,6)--(2,6)); label("M", (-4,0), W); label("C", (4,0), E); label("A", (0, 12), N); label("V", (2, 6), NE); label("U", (-2, 6), NW); label("P", (0, 3.6), S); [/asy]

We know that $\triangle AUV \sim \triangle AMC$, and since the ratios of its sides are $\frac{1}{2}$, the ratio of of their areas is $\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^2=\frac{1}{4}$.

If $\triangle AUV$ is $\frac{1}{4}$ the area of $\triangle AMC$, then trapezoid $MUVC$ is $\frac{3}{4}$ the area of $\triangle AMC$.

Let's call the intersection of $\overline{UC}$ and $\overline{MV}$ $P$. Let $\overline{UP}=x$. Then $\overline{PC}=12-x$. Since $\overline{UC} \perp \overline{MV}$, $\overline{UP}$ and $\overline{CP}$ are heights of triangles $\triangle MUV$ and $\triangle MCV$, respectively. Both of these triangles have base $12$.

Area of $\triangle MUV = \frac{x\cdot12}{2}=6x$

Area of $\triangle MCV = \frac{(12-x)\cdot12}{2}=72-6x$

Adding these two gives us the area of trapezoid $MUVC$, which is $6x+(72-6x)=72$.

This is $\frac{3}{4}$ of the triangle, so the area of the triangle is $\frac{4}{3}\cdot{72}=\boxed{\textbf{(C) } 96}$ ~quacker88, diagram by programjames1

Solution 3 (Medians)

Draw median $\overline{AB}$. [asy] draw((-4,0)--(4,0)--(0,12)--cycle); draw((-2,6)--(4,0)); draw((2,6)--(-4,0)); draw((0,12)--(0,0)); label("M", (-4,0), W); label("C", (4,0), E); label("A", (0, 12), N); label("V", (2, 6), NE); label("U", (-2, 6), NW); label("P", (0.5, 4), E); label("B", (0, 0), S); [/asy]

Since we know that all medians of a triangle intersect at the centroid, we know that $\overline{AB}$ passes through point $P$. We also know that medians of a triangle divide each other into segments of ratio $2:1$. Knowing this, we can see that $\overline{PC}:\overline{UP}=2:1$, and since the two segments sum to $12$, $\overline{PC}$ and $\overline{UP}$ are $8$ and $4$, respectively.

Finally knowing that the medians divide the triangle into $6$ sections of equal area, finding the area of $\triangle PUM$ is enough. $\overline{PC} = \overline{MP} = 8$.

The area of $\triangle PUM = \frac{4\cdot8}{2}=16$. Multiplying this by $6$ gives us $6\cdot16=\boxed{\textbf{(C) }96}$

~quacker88

Solution 4 (Triangles)

[asy] draw((-4,0)--(4,0)--(0,12)--cycle); draw((-2,6)--(4,0)); draw((2,6)--(-4,0)); draw((-2,6)--(2,6)); label("M", (-4,0), W); label("C", (4,0), E); label("A", (0, 12), N); label("V", (2, 6), NE); label("U", (-2, 6), NW); label("P", (0, 3.6), S); [/asy] We know that $AU = UM$, $AV = VC$, so $UV = \frac{1}{2} MC$.

As $\angle UPM = \angle VPC = 90$, we can see that $\triangle UPM \cong \triangle VPC$ and $\triangle UVP \sim \triangle MPC$ with a side ratio of $1 : 2$.

So $UP = VP = 4$, $MP = PC = 8$.

With that, we can see that $[\triangle UPM] = 16$, and the area of trapezoid $MUVC$ is 72.

As said in solution 1, $[\triangle AMC] = 72 / \frac{3}{4} = \boxed{\textbf{(C) } 96}$.

-QuadraticFunctions, solution 1 by ???

Solution 5 (Only Pythagorean Theorem)

[asy] draw((-4,0)--(4,0)--(0,12)--cycle); draw((-2,6)--(4,0)); draw((2,6)--(-4,0)); draw((0,12)--(0,0)); label("M", (-4,0), W); label("C", (4,0), E); label("A", (0, 12), N); label("V", (2, 6), NE); label("U", (-2, 6), NW); label("P", (0.5, 4), E); label("B", (0, 0), S); [/asy]

Let $AB$ be the height. Since medians divide each other into a $2:1$ ratio, and the medians have length 12, we have $PC=MP=8$ and $UP=VP=4$. From right triangle $\triangle{MUP}$, \[MU^2=MP^2+UP^2=8^2+4^2=80,\] so $MU=\sqrt{80}=4\sqrt{5}$. Since $CU$ is a median, $AM=8\sqrt{5}$. From right triangle $\triangle{MPC}$, \[MC^2=MP^2+PC^2=8^2+8^2=128,\] which implies $MC=\sqrt{128}=8\sqrt{2}$. By symmetry $MB=\dfrac{8\sqrt{2}}{2}=4\sqrt{2}$.

Applying the Pythagorean Theorem to right triangle $\triangle{MAB}$ gives $AB^2=AM^2-MB^2=8\sqrt{5}^2-4\sqrt{2}^2=288$, so $AB=\sqrt{288}=12\sqrt{2}$. Then the area of $\triangle{AMC}$ is \[\dfrac{AB \cdot MC}{2}=\dfrac{8\sqrt{2} \cdot 12\sqrt{2}}{2}=\dfrac{96 \cdot 2}{2}=\boxed{\textbf{(C) }96}\]

Solution 6 (Drawing)

By similarity, the area of $AUV$ is equal to $\frac{1}{4}$.

The area of $UVCM$ is equal to 72.

Assuming the total area of the triangle is S, the equation will be : $\frac{3}{4}$S = 72.

S = $\boxed{\textbf{(C) }96}$

Solution 7(fastest)

Given a triangle with perpendicular medians with lengths $x$ and $y$, the area will be $\frac{2xy}{3}=\boxed{\textbf{(C) }96}$.

Solution 8

Connect the line segment $UV$ and it's easy to see quadrilateral $UVMC$ has an area of the product of its diagonals divided by $2$ which is $72$. Now, solving for triangle $AUV$ could be an option, but the drawing shows the area of $AUV$ will be less than the quadrilateral meaning the the area of $AMC$ is less than $72*2$ but greater than $72$, leaving only one possible answer choice, $\boxed{\textbf{(C) } 96}$.

-Rohan S.

Solution 9

[asy] draw((-4,0)--(4,0)--(0,12)--cycle); draw((-2,6)--(4,0)); draw((2,6)--(-4,0)); draw((0,12)--(0,0)); label("M", (-4,0), W); label("C", (4,0), E); label("A", (0, 12), N); label("V", (2, 6), NE); label("U", (-2, 6), NW); label("P", (0.5, 4), E); label("B", (0, 0), S); [/asy]

Connect $AP$, and let $B$ be the point where $AP$ intersects $MC$. $MB=CB$ because all medians of a triangle intersect at one point, which in this case is $P$. $MP:PV=2:1$ because the point at which all medians intersect divides the medians into segments of ratio $2:1$, so $MP=8$ and similarly $CP=8$. We apply the Pythagorean Theorem to triangle $MPC$ and get $MC=\sqrt{128}=8\sqrt{2}$. The area of triangle $MPC$ is $\dfrac{MP\cdot CP}{2}=32$, and that must equal to $\dfrac{MC\cdot BP}{2}$, so $BP=\dfrac{8}{\sqrt{2}}=4\cdot\sqrt{2}$. $BP=\dfrac{1}{3}BA$, so $BA=12\sqrt{2}$. The area of triangle $AMC$ is equal to $\dfrac{MC\cdot BA}{2}=\dfrac{8 \cdot \sqrt{2} \cdot 12 \cdot \sqrt{2}}{2}=\boxed{\textbf{(C)}\ 96}$.

-SmileKat32

Solution 10 (High IQ)

$[\square MUVC] = 72$. Let intersection of line $AP$ and base $MC$ be $B$ \[[AUV]=[MUB]=[UVB]=[BVC] \implies \left[\frac{\triangle AMC}{4}\right] = \left[\frac{\square MUVC}{3}\right] \implies [AMC] = \boxed{\textbf{(C)}\ 96}\]

~herobrine-india

Solution 11 (Kite)

[asy] draw((-4,0)--(4,0)--(0,12)--cycle); draw((-2,6)--(4,0)); draw((2,6)--(-4,0)); draw((-2,6)--(2,6)); label("M", (-4,0), W); label("C", (4,0), E); label("A", (0, 12), N); label("V", (2, 6), NE); label("U", (-2, 6), NW); label("P", (0, 3.6), S); [/asy]

Since $\overline{MV}$ and $\overline{CU}$ intersect at a right angle, this means $MUVC$ is a kite. Hence, the area of this kite is $\frac{12 \cdot 12}{2} = 72$.

Also, notice that $\triangle AUV \sim \triangle AMC$ by AAA Similarity. Since the ratios of its sides is $\frac{1}{2}$, the ratios of the area is $\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^2=\frac{1}{4}$. Therefore,

\[[AMC] = [MUVC] + \frac{1}{4} \cdot [AMC]\]

Simplifying gives us $\frac{3}{4} \cdot [AMC] = 72$, so $[AMC] = 72 \cdot \frac{4}{3} = \boxed{\textbf{(C)}\ 96}$

~MrThinker

Solution 12 (Educated guessing)

Horizontally translate line $\overline{UC}$ until point $U$ is at point $V$, with $C$ subsequently at $C'$, and then connect up $C'$ and $C$ to create $\triangle MVC'$, which is a right triangle.

[asy] draw((-4,0)--(4,0)--(0,12)--cycle); draw((-2,6)--(4,0)); draw((2,6)--(-4,0)); draw((-2,6)--(2,6)); draw((2,6)--(8,0)); draw((4,0)--(8,0)); label("M", (-4,0), W); label("C", (4,0), S); label("A", (0, 12), N); label("V", (2, 6), NE); label("U", (-2, 6), NW); label("P", (0, 3.6), S); label("C'", (8,0), E); [/asy]

Notice that $\triangle MVC'$ = $12 \cdot 12 \cdot \frac{1}{2} = 72$, and $\triangle MVC'$ = $\triangle MVC + \triangle MUV$ (since the latter has the same base and height as the sub-triangle $\triangle CVC'$ inside $\triangle MVC'$).

From this, we can deduce that $\textbf{(B)}$ cannot be true, since an incomplete part of $\triangle AMC$ is equal to it. We can also deduce that $\textbf{(D)}$ also cannot be true, since the unknown triangle $\triangle AUV = \triangle MUV$, and $\triangle MUV = \triangle CVC' < \triangle MVC'$. Therefore, the answer must be between $72$ and $144$, leaving $\boxed{\textbf{(C)}\ 96}$ as the only possible correct answer.

~DifrractSliver

Video Solution 1

Education, The Study of Everything

https://youtu.be/0TslJ3aDXac

Video Solution 2

https://youtu.be/ZGwAasE32Y4

~IceMatrix

Video Solution 3

https://youtu.be/7ZvKOYuwSnE

~savannahsolver

Video Solution 4 by OmegaLearn

https://youtu.be/4_x1sgcQCp4?t=2067

~ pi_is_3.14

See Also

2020 AMC 10A (Problems • Answer Key • Resources)
Preceded by
Problem 11 		Followed by
Problem 13
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All AMC 10 Problems and Solutions

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