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Difference between revisions of "1989 AIME Problems/Problem 15"

 
(→‎Solution 2 (Mass Points, Stewart's Theorem, Heron's Formula))
 
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== Problem ==
 
== Problem ==
 +
Point <math>P</math> is inside <math>\triangle ABC</math>. Line segments <math>APD</math>, <math>BPE</math>, and <math>CPF</math> are drawn with <math>D</math> on <math>BC</math>, <math>E</math> on <math>AC</math>, and <math>F</math> on <math>AB</math> (see the figure below). Given that <math>AP=6</math>, <math>BP=9</math>, <math>PD=6</math>, <math>PE=3</math>, and <math>CF=20</math>, find the area of <math>\triangle ABC</math>.
 +
[[Image:AIME_1989_Problem_15.png|center]]
  
−
== Solution ==
+
== Solutions ==
 +
 
 +
=== Solution 1 (Ceva's Theorem, Stewart's Theorem) ===
 +
 
 +
Let <math>[RST]</math> be the area of polygon <math>RST</math>.  We'll make use of the following fact: if <math>P</math> is a point in the interior of triangle <math>XYZ</math>, and line <math>XP</math> intersects line <math>YZ</math> at point <math>L</math>, then <math>\dfrac{XP}{PL} = \frac{[XPY] + [ZPX]}{[YPZ]}.</math>
 +
 
 +
<center><asy>
 +
size(170);
 +
pair X = (1,2), Y = (0,0), Z = (3,0);
 +
real x = 0.4, y = 0.2, z = 1-x-y;
 +
pair P = x*X + y*Y + z*Z;
 +
pair L = y/(y+z)*Y + z/(y+z)*Z;
 +
draw(X--Y--Z--cycle);
 +
draw(X--P);
 +
draw(P--L, dotted);
 +
draw(Y--P--Z);
 +
label("$X$", X, N);
 +
label("$Y$", Y, S);
 +
label("$Z$", Z, S);
 +
label("$P$", P, NE);
 +
label("$L$", L, S);</asy></center>
 +
 
 +
This is true because triangles <math>XPY</math> and <math>YPL</math> have their areas in ratio <math>XP:PL</math> (as they share a common height from <math>Y</math>), and the same is true of triangles <math>ZPY</math> and <math>LPZ</math>.
 +
 
 +
We'll also use the related fact that <math>\dfrac{[XPY]}{[ZPX]} = \dfrac{YL}{LZ}</math>.  This is slightly more well known, as it is used in the standard proof of [[Ceva's theorem]].
 +
 
 +
Now we'll apply these results to the problem at hand.
 +
 
 +
<center><asy>
 +
size(170);
 +
pair C = (1, 3), A = (0,0), B = (1.7,0);
 +
real a = 0.5, b= 0.25, c = 0.25;
 +
pair P = a*A + b*B + c*C;
 +
pair D = b/(b+c)*B + c/(b+c)*C;
 +
pair EE = c/(c+a)*C + a/(c+a)*A;
 +
pair F = a/(a+b)*A + b/(a+b)*B;
 +
draw(A--B--C--cycle);
 +
draw(A--P);
 +
draw(B--P--C);
 +
draw(P--D, dotted);
 +
draw(EE--P--F, dotted);
 +
label("$A$", A, S);
 +
label("$B$", B, S);
 +
label("$C$", C, N);
 +
label("$D$", D, NE);
 +
label("$E$", EE, NW);
 +
label("$F$", F, S);
 +
label("$P$", P, E);
 +
</asy></center>
 +
 
 +
Since <math>AP = PD = 6</math>, this means that <math>[APB] + [APC] = [BPC]</math>; thus <math>\triangle BPC</math> has half the area of <math>\triangle ABC</math>.  And since <math>PE = 3 = \dfrac{1}{3}BP</math>, we can conclude that <math>\triangle APC</math> has one third of the combined areas of triangle <math>BPC</math> and <math>APB</math>, and thus <math>\dfrac{1}{4}</math> of the area of <math>\triangle ABC</math>.  This means that <math>\triangle APB</math> is left with <math>\dfrac{1}{4}</math> of the area of triangle <math>ABC</math>:
 +
<cmath> [BPC]: [APC]: [APB] = 2:1:1.</cmath>
 +
Since <math>[APC] = [APB]</math>, and since <math>\dfrac{[APC]}{[APB]} = \dfrac{CD}{DB}</math>, this means that <math>D</math> is the midpoint of <math>BC</math>.
 +
 
 +
Furthermore, we know that <math>\dfrac{CP}{PF} = \dfrac{[APC] + [BPC]}{[APB]} = 3</math>, so <math>CP = \dfrac{3}{4} \cdot CF = 15</math>.
 +
 
 +
We now apply [[Stewart's theorem]] to segment <math>PD</math> in <math>\triangle BPC</math>&mdash;or rather, the simplified version for a median.  This tells us that
 +
<cmath> 2 BD^2 + 2 PD^2 = BP^2+ CP^2. </cmath> Plugging in we know, we learn that
 +
<cmath> \begin{align*}
 +
2 BD^2 + 2 \cdot 36 &= 81 + 225 = 306, \\
 +
BD^2 &= 117. \end{align*} </cmath>
 +
Happily, <math>BP^2 + PD^2 = 81 + 36</math> is also equal to 117.  Therefore <math>\triangle BPD</math> is a right triangle with a right angle at <math>B</math>; its area is thus <math>\dfrac{1}{2} \cdot 9 \cdot 6 = 27</math>.  As <math>PD</math> is a median of <math>\triangle BPC</math>, the area of <math>BPC</math> is twice this, or 54.  And we already know that <math>\triangle BPC</math> has half the area of <math>\triangle ABC</math>, which must therefore be <math>\boxed{108}</math>.
 +
 
 +
=== Solution 2 (Mass Points, Stewart's Theorem, Heron's Formula) ===
 +
Because we're given three concurrent [[cevian]]s and their lengths, it seems very tempting to apply [[Mass points]]. We immediately see that <math>w_E = 3</math>, <math>w_B = 1</math>, and <math>w_A = w_D = 2</math>. Now, we recall that the masses on the three sides of the triangle must be balanced out, so <math>w_C = 1</math> and <math>w_F = 3</math>. Thus, <math>CP = 15</math> and <math>PF = 5</math>.
 +
 
 +
Recalling that <math>w_C = w_B = 1</math>, we see that <math>DC = DB</math> and <math>DP</math> is a [[median]] to <math>BC</math> in <math>\triangle BCP</math>. Applying [[Stewart's Theorem]], we have the following:
 +
<cmath>\frac{BC}{2}(9^2+15^2)=BC(6^2+ \left(\frac{BC}{2} \right)^2).</cmath>
 +
Eliminating <math>BC</math> on both sides, we have:
 +
<cmath>\frac 12(9^2+15^2)=6^2+ \left(\frac{BC}{2} \right)^2.</cmath>
 +
Combining terms and simplifying numbers, we have:
 +
<cmath>153=36+\left(\frac{BC}{2} \right)^2.</cmath>
 +
Subtracting 36 to the other side yields:
 +
<cmath>117= \left(\frac{BC}{2} \right)^2.</cmath>
 +
Finishing it off from there, we find that <math>BC=2 \sqrt{117}.</math> Now, notice that <math>2[BCP] = [ABC]</math>, because both triangles share the same base, <math>BC</math> and <math>h_{\triangle ABC} = 2h_{\triangle BCP}</math>. Applying [[Heron's formula]] on triangle <math>BCP</math> with sides <math>15</math>, <math>9</math>, and <math>2\sqrt{117}</math>, we have:
 +
<cmath>\sqrt{(\sqrt{117}+12)(\sqrt{117}+12-9)(\sqrt{117}+12-15)(\sqrt{117}+12-2\sqrt{117})}.</cmath>
 +
Combining terms results in:
 +
<cmath>\sqrt{(\sqrt{117}+12)(\sqrt{117}+3)(\sqrt{117}-3)(-\sqrt{117}+12)}.</cmath>
 +
Notice that these factors can be grouped into a difference of squares:
 +
<cmath>\sqrt{(144-\sqrt{117}^2)(\sqrt{117}^2-9)}.</cmath>
 +
Since <math>\sqrt{117}^2=117</math>, we have:
 +
<cmath>\sqrt{(27)(108)}.</cmath>
 +
After simplifying this radical, we find that it equals <math>54.</math> Therefore, <math>[BCP] = 54</math>, and hence <math>[ABC]=2 \cdot 54= \boxed{108}</math>.
 +
 
 +
(The original author made a mistake in their solution. Corrected and further explained by dbnl.)
 +
 
 +
=== Solution 3 (Ceva's Theorem, Stewart's Theorem) ===
 +
Using a different form of [[Ceva's Theorem]], we have <math>\frac {y}{x + y} + \frac {6}{6 + 6} + \frac {3}{3 + 9} = 1\Longleftrightarrow\frac {y}{x + y} = \frac {1}{4}</math>
 +
 
 +
Solving <math>4y = x + y</math> and <math>x + y = 20</math>, we obtain <math>x = CP = 15</math> and <math>y = FP = 5</math>.
 +
 
 +
Let <math>Q</math> be the point on <math>AB</math> such that <math>FC \parallel QD</math>.
 +
Since <math>AP = PD</math> and <math>FP\parallel QD</math>, <math>QD = 2FP = 10</math>. (Stewart's Theorem)
 +
 
 +
Also, since <math>FC\parallel QD</math> and <math>QD = \frac{FC}{2}</math>, we see that <math>FQ = QB</math>, <math>BD = DC</math>, etc. ([[Stewart's Theorem]])
 +
Similarly, we have <math>PR = RB</math> (<math>= \frac12PB = 7.5</math>) and thus <math>RD = \frac12PC = 4.5</math>.
 +
 
 +
<math>PDR</math> is a <math>3-4-5</math> [[right triangle]], so <math>\angle PDR</math> (<math>\angle ADQ</math>) is <math>90^\circ</math>.
 +
Therefore, the area of <math>\triangle ADQ = \frac12\cdot 12\cdot 6 = 36</math>.
 +
Using area ratio, <math>\triangle ABC = \triangle ADB\times 2 = \left(\triangle ADQ\times \frac32\right)\times 2 = 36\cdot 3 = \boxed{108}</math>.
 +
 
 +
=== Solution 4 (Stewart's Theorem) ===
 +
 
 +
First, let <math>[AEP]=a, [AFP]=b,</math> and <math>[ECP]=c.</math> Thus, we can easily find that <math>\frac{[AEP]}{[BPD]}=\frac{3}{9}=\frac{1}{3} \Leftrightarrow [BPD]=3[AEP]=3a.</math> Now, <math>\frac{[ABP]}{[BPD]}=\frac{6}{6}=1\Leftrightarrow [ABP]=3a.</math> In the same manner, we find that <math>[CPD]=a+c.</math> Now, we can find that <math>\frac{[BPC]}{[PEC]}=\frac{9}{3}=3 \Leftrightarrow \frac{(3a)+(a+c)}{c}=3 \Leftrightarrow c=2a.</math> We can now use this to find that <math>\frac{[APC]}{[AFP]}=\frac{[BPC]}{[BFP]}=\frac{PC}{FP} \Leftrightarrow \frac{3a}{b}=\frac{6a}{3a-b} \Leftrightarrow a=b.</math> Plugging this value in, we find that <math>\frac{FC}{FP}=3 \Leftrightarrow PC=15, FP=5.</math> Now, since <math>\frac{[AEP]}{[PEC]}=\frac{a}{2a}=\frac{1}{2},</math> we can find that <math>2AE=EC.</math> Setting <math>AC=b,</math> we can apply [[Stewart's Theorem]] on triangle <math>APC</math> to find that <math>(15)(15)(\frac{b}{3})+(6)(6)(\frac{2b}{3})=(\frac{2b}{3})(\frac{b}{3})(b)+(b)(3)(3).</math> Solving, we find that <math>b=\sqrt{405} \Leftrightarrow AE=\frac{b}{3}=\sqrt{45}.</math> But, <math>3^2+6^2=45,</math> meaning that <math>\angle{APE}=90 \Leftrightarrow [APE]=\frac{(6)(3)}{2}=9=a.</math> Since <math>[ABC]=a+a+2a+2a+3a+3a=12a=(12)(9)=108,</math> we conclude that the answer is <math>\boxed{108}</math>.
 +
 
 +
=== Solution 5 (Mass of a Point, Stewart's Theorem, Heron's Formula) ===
 +
Firstly, since they all meet at one single point, denoting the mass of them separately. Assuming <math>M(A)=6;M(D)=6;M(B)=3;M(E)=9</math>; we can get that <math>M(P)=12;M(F)=9;M(C)=3</math>; which leads to the ratio between segments,
 +
<cmath>\frac{CE}{AE}=2;\frac{BF}{AF}=2;\frac{BD}{CD}=1.</cmath> Denoting that <math>CE=2x;AE=x; AF=y; BF=2y; CD=z; DB=z.</math>
 +
 
 +
Now we know three cevians' length, Applying Stewart theorem to them, getting three different equations:
 +
<cmath>\begin{align}
 +
(3x)^2 \cdot 2y+(2z)^2 \cdot y&=(3y)(2y^2+400), \\
 +
(3y)^2 \cdot z+(3x)^2 \cdot z&=(2z)(z^2+144), \\
 +
(2z)^2 \cdot x+(3y)^2 \cdot x&=(3x)(2x^2+144).
 +
\end{align}</cmath>
 +
After solving the system of equation, we get that <math>x=3\sqrt{5};y=\sqrt{13};z=3\sqrt{13}</math>;
 +
 
 +
pulling <math>x,y,z</math> back to get the length of <math>AC=9\sqrt{5};AB=3\sqrt{13};BC=6\sqrt{13}</math>; now we can apply Heron's formula here, which is <cmath>\sqrt\frac{(9\sqrt{5}+9\sqrt{13})(9\sqrt{13}-9\sqrt{5})(9\sqrt{5}+3\sqrt{13})(9\sqrt{5}-3\sqrt{13})}{16}=108.</cmath>
 +
 
 +
Our answer is <math>\boxed{108}</math>.
 +
 
 +
~bluesoul
 +
 
 +
====Note (how to find x and y without the system of equations)====
 +
To ease computation, we can apply Stewart's Theorem to find <math>x</math>, <math>y</math>, and <math>z</math> directly. Since <math>M(C)=3</math> and <math>M(F)=9</math>, <math>\overline{PC}=15</math> and <math>\overline{PF}=5</math>. We can apply Stewart's Theorem on <math>\triangle CPE</math> to get <math>(2x+x)(2x \cdot x) + 3^2 \cdot 3x = 15^2 \cdot x + 6^2\cdot 2x</math>. Solving, we find that <math>x=3\sqrt{5}</math>. We can do the same on <math>\triangle APB</math> and <math>\triangle BPC</math> to obtain <math>y</math> and <math>z</math>. We proceed with Heron's Formula as the solution states.
 +
 
 +
~kn07
 +
 
 +
=== Solution 6 (easier version of Solution 5)===
 +
 
 +
In Solution 5, instead of finding all of <math>x, y, z</math>, we only need <math>y, z</math>. This is because after we solve for <math>y, z</math>, we can notice that <math>\triangle BAD</math> is isosceles with <math>AB = BD</math>. Because <math>P</math> is the midpoint of the base, <math>BP</math> is an altitude of <math>\triangle BAD</math>. Therefore, <math>[BAD] = \frac{(AD)(BP)}{2} = \frac{12 \cdot 9}{2} = 54</math>. Using the same altitude property, we can find that <math>[ABC] = 2[BAD] = 2 \cdot 54 = \boxed{108}</math>.
 +
 
 +
-NL008
 +
 
 +
=== Solution 7 (Mass Points, Stewart's Theorem, Simple Version) ===
 +
 
 +
Set <math>AF=x,</math> and use [[mass points]] to find that <math>PF=5</math> and <math>BF=2x.</math> Using [[Stewart's Theorem]] on <math>APB,</math> we find that <math>AB=3\sqrt{13}.</math> Then we notice that <math>APB</math> is right, which means the area of <math>APB</math> is <math>27.</math> Because <math>CF=4\cdot PF,</math> the area of <math>ABC</math> is <math>4</math> times the area of <math>APB,</math> which means the area of <math>ABC=4\cdot 27=\boxed{108}.</math>
 +
 
 +
=== Solution 8 (Ratios, Auxiliary Lines and 3-4-5 triangle) ===
 +
 
 +
We try to solve this using only elementary concepts. Let the areas of triangles <math>BCP</math>, <math>ACP</math> and <math>ABP</math> be <math>X</math>, <math>Y</math> and <math>Z</math> respectively. Then <math>\frac{X}{Y+Z}=\frac{6}{6}=1</math> and <math>\frac{Y}{X+Z}=\frac{3}{9}=\frac{1}{3}</math>. Hence <math>\frac{X}{2}=Y=Z</math>. Similarly <math>\frac{FP}{PC}=\frac{Z}{X+Y}=\frac{1}{3}</math> and since <math>CF=20</math> we then have <math>FP=5</math>. Additionally we now see that triangles <math>FPE</math> and <math>CPB</math> are similar, so <math>FE \parallel BC</math> and <math>\frac{FE}{BC} = \frac{1}{3}</math>. Hence <math>\frac{AF}{FB}=\frac{1}{2}</math>. Now construct a point <math>K</math> on segment <math>BP</math> such that <math>BK=6</math> and <math>KP=3</math>, we will have <math>FK \parallel AP</math>, and hence <math>\frac{FK}{AP} = \frac{FK}{6} = \frac{2}{3}</math>, giving <math>FK=4</math>. Triangle <math>FKP</math> is therefore a 3-4-5 triangle! So <math>FK \perp BE</math> and so <math>AP \perp BE</math>. Then it is easy to calculate that <math>Z = \frac{1}{2} \times 6 \times 9 = 27</math> and the area of triangle <math>ABC = X+Y+Z = 4Z = 4 \times 27 = \boxed{108}</math>.
 +
~Leole
 +
 
 +
 
 +
=== Solution 9 (Just Trig Bash) ===
 +
 
 +
We start with mass points as in Solution 2, and receive <math>BF:AF = 2</math>, <math>BD:CD = 1</math>, <math>CE:AE = 2</math>. [[Law of Cosines]] on triangles <math>ADB</math> and <math>ADC</math> with <math>\theta = \angle ADB</math> and <math>BD=DC=x</math> gives
 +
<cmath>36+x^2-12x\cos \theta = 81</cmath>
 +
<cmath>36+x^2-12x\cos (180-\theta) = 36+x^2+12x\cos \theta = 225</cmath>
 +
Adding them: <math>72+2x^2=306 \implies x=3\sqrt{13}</math>, so <math>BC = 6\sqrt{13}</math>. Similarly, <math>AB = 3\sqrt{13}</math> and <math>AC = 9\sqrt{5}</math>. Using Heron's,
 +
<cmath>[ \triangle ABC ]= \sqrt{\left(\dfrac{9\sqrt{13}+9\sqrt{5}}{2}\right)\left(\dfrac{9\sqrt{13}09\sqrt{5}}{2}\right)\left(\dfrac{3\sqrt{13}+9\sqrt{5}}{2}\right)\left(\dfrac{-3\sqrt{13}+9\sqrt{5}}{2}\right)} = \boxed{108}.</cmath>
 +
 
 +
~sml1809
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
−
* [[1989 AIME Problems]]
+
{{AIME box|year=1989|num-b=14|after=Final Question}}
 +
 
 +
[[Category:Intermediate Geometry Problems]]
 +
{{MAA Notice}}

Latest revision as of 22:46, 30 June 2024

Problem

Point $P$ is inside $\triangle ABC$. Line segments $APD$, $BPE$, and $CPF$ are drawn with $D$ on $BC$, $E$ on $AC$, and $F$ on $AB$ (see the figure below). Given that $AP=6$, $BP=9$, $PD=6$, $PE=3$, and $CF=20$, find the area of $\triangle ABC$.

AIME 1989 Problem 15.png

Solutions

Solution 1 (Ceva's Theorem, Stewart's Theorem)

Let $[RST]$ be the area of polygon $RST$. We'll make use of the following fact: if $P$ is a point in the interior of triangle $XYZ$, and line $XP$ intersects line $YZ$ at point $L$, then $\dfrac{XP}{PL} = \frac{[XPY] + [ZPX]}{[YPZ]}.$

[asy] size(170); pair X = (1,2), Y = (0,0), Z = (3,0); real x = 0.4, y = 0.2, z = 1-x-y; pair P = x*X + y*Y + z*Z; pair L = y/(y+z)*Y + z/(y+z)*Z; draw(X--Y--Z--cycle); draw(X--P); draw(P--L, dotted); draw(Y--P--Z); label("$X$", X, N); label("$Y$", Y, S); label("$Z$", Z, S); label("$P$", P, NE); label("$L$", L, S);[/asy]

This is true because triangles $XPY$ and $YPL$ have their areas in ratio $XP:PL$ (as they share a common height from $Y$), and the same is true of triangles $ZPY$ and $LPZ$.

We'll also use the related fact that $\dfrac{[XPY]}{[ZPX]} = \dfrac{YL}{LZ}$. This is slightly more well known, as it is used in the standard proof of Ceva's theorem.

Now we'll apply these results to the problem at hand.

[asy] size(170); pair C = (1, 3), A = (0,0), B = (1.7,0); real a = 0.5, b= 0.25, c = 0.25; pair P = a*A + b*B + c*C; pair D = b/(b+c)*B + c/(b+c)*C; pair EE = c/(c+a)*C + a/(c+a)*A; pair F = a/(a+b)*A + b/(a+b)*B; draw(A--B--C--cycle); draw(A--P); draw(B--P--C); draw(P--D, dotted); draw(EE--P--F, dotted); label("$A$", A, S); label("$B$", B, S); label("$C$", C, N); label("$D$", D, NE); label("$E$", EE, NW); label("$F$", F, S); label("$P$", P, E); [/asy]

Since $AP = PD = 6$, this means that $[APB] + [APC] = [BPC]$; thus $\triangle BPC$ has half the area of $\triangle ABC$. And since $PE = 3 = \dfrac{1}{3}BP$, we can conclude that $\triangle APC$ has one third of the combined areas of triangle $BPC$ and $APB$, and thus $\dfrac{1}{4}$ of the area of $\triangle ABC$. This means that $\triangle APB$ is left with $\dfrac{1}{4}$ of the area of triangle $ABC$: \[[BPC]: [APC]: [APB] = 2:1:1.\] Since $[APC] = [APB]$, and since $\dfrac{[APC]}{[APB]} = \dfrac{CD}{DB}$, this means that $D$ is the midpoint of $BC$.

Furthermore, we know that $\dfrac{CP}{PF} = \dfrac{[APC] + [BPC]}{[APB]} = 3$, so $CP = \dfrac{3}{4} \cdot CF = 15$.

We now apply Stewart's theorem to segment $PD$ in $\triangle BPC$—or rather, the simplified version for a median. This tells us that \[2 BD^2 + 2 PD^2 = BP^2+ CP^2.\] Plugging in we know, we learn that \begin{align*} 2 BD^2 + 2 \cdot 36 &= 81 + 225 = 306, \\ BD^2 &= 117. \end{align*} Happily, $BP^2 + PD^2 = 81 + 36$ is also equal to 117. Therefore $\triangle BPD$ is a right triangle with a right angle at $B$; its area is thus $\dfrac{1}{2} \cdot 9 \cdot 6 = 27$. As $PD$ is a median of $\triangle BPC$, the area of $BPC$ is twice this, or 54. And we already know that $\triangle BPC$ has half the area of $\triangle ABC$, which must therefore be $\boxed{108}$.

Solution 2 (Mass Points, Stewart's Theorem, Heron's Formula)

Because we're given three concurrent cevians and their lengths, it seems very tempting to apply Mass points. We immediately see that $w_E = 3$, $w_B = 1$, and $w_A = w_D = 2$. Now, we recall that the masses on the three sides of the triangle must be balanced out, so $w_C = 1$ and $w_F = 3$. Thus, $CP = 15$ and $PF = 5$.

Recalling that $w_C = w_B = 1$, we see that $DC = DB$ and $DP$ is a median to $BC$ in $\triangle BCP$. Applying Stewart's Theorem, we have the following: \[\frac{BC}{2}(9^2+15^2)=BC(6^2+ \left(\frac{BC}{2} \right)^2).\] Eliminating $BC$ on both sides, we have: \[\frac 12(9^2+15^2)=6^2+ \left(\frac{BC}{2} \right)^2.\] Combining terms and simplifying numbers, we have: \[153=36+\left(\frac{BC}{2} \right)^2.\] Subtracting 36 to the other side yields: \[117= \left(\frac{BC}{2} \right)^2.\] Finishing it off from there, we find that $BC=2 \sqrt{117}.$ Now, notice that $2[BCP] = [ABC]$, because both triangles share the same base, $BC$ and $h_{\triangle ABC} = 2h_{\triangle BCP}$. Applying Heron's formula on triangle $BCP$ with sides $15$, $9$, and $2\sqrt{117}$, we have: \[\sqrt{(\sqrt{117}+12)(\sqrt{117}+12-9)(\sqrt{117}+12-15)(\sqrt{117}+12-2\sqrt{117})}.\] Combining terms results in: \[\sqrt{(\sqrt{117}+12)(\sqrt{117}+3)(\sqrt{117}-3)(-\sqrt{117}+12)}.\] Notice that these factors can be grouped into a difference of squares: \[\sqrt{(144-\sqrt{117}^2)(\sqrt{117}^2-9)}.\] Since $\sqrt{117}^2=117$, we have: \[\sqrt{(27)(108)}.\] After simplifying this radical, we find that it equals $54.$ Therefore, $[BCP] = 54$, and hence $[ABC]=2 \cdot 54= \boxed{108}$.

(The original author made a mistake in their solution. Corrected and further explained by dbnl.)

Solution 3 (Ceva's Theorem, Stewart's Theorem)

Using a different form of Ceva's Theorem, we have $\frac {y}{x + y} + \frac {6}{6 + 6} + \frac {3}{3 + 9} = 1\Longleftrightarrow\frac {y}{x + y} = \frac {1}{4}$

Solving $4y = x + y$ and $x + y = 20$, we obtain $x = CP = 15$ and $y = FP = 5$.

Let $Q$ be the point on $AB$ such that $FC \parallel QD$. Since $AP = PD$ and $FP\parallel QD$, $QD = 2FP = 10$. (Stewart's Theorem)

Also, since $FC\parallel QD$ and $QD = \frac{FC}{2}$, we see that $FQ = QB$, $BD = DC$, etc. (Stewart's Theorem) Similarly, we have $PR = RB$ ($= \frac12PB = 7.5$) and thus $RD = \frac12PC = 4.5$.

$PDR$ is a $3-4-5$ right triangle, so $\angle PDR$ ($\angle ADQ$) is $90^\circ$. Therefore, the area of $\triangle ADQ = \frac12\cdot 12\cdot 6 = 36$. Using area ratio, $\triangle ABC = \triangle ADB\times 2 = \left(\triangle ADQ\times \frac32\right)\times 2 = 36\cdot 3 = \boxed{108}$.

Solution 4 (Stewart's Theorem)

First, let $[AEP]=a, [AFP]=b,$ and $[ECP]=c.$ Thus, we can easily find that $\frac{[AEP]}{[BPD]}=\frac{3}{9}=\frac{1}{3} \Leftrightarrow [BPD]=3[AEP]=3a.$ Now, $\frac{[ABP]}{[BPD]}=\frac{6}{6}=1\Leftrightarrow [ABP]=3a.$ In the same manner, we find that $[CPD]=a+c.$ Now, we can find that $\frac{[BPC]}{[PEC]}=\frac{9}{3}=3 \Leftrightarrow \frac{(3a)+(a+c)}{c}=3 \Leftrightarrow c=2a.$ We can now use this to find that $\frac{[APC]}{[AFP]}=\frac{[BPC]}{[BFP]}=\frac{PC}{FP} \Leftrightarrow \frac{3a}{b}=\frac{6a}{3a-b} \Leftrightarrow a=b.$ Plugging this value in, we find that $\frac{FC}{FP}=3 \Leftrightarrow PC=15, FP=5.$ Now, since $\frac{[AEP]}{[PEC]}=\frac{a}{2a}=\frac{1}{2},$ we can find that $2AE=EC.$ Setting $AC=b,$ we can apply Stewart's Theorem on triangle $APC$ to find that $(15)(15)(\frac{b}{3})+(6)(6)(\frac{2b}{3})=(\frac{2b}{3})(\frac{b}{3})(b)+(b)(3)(3).$ Solving, we find that $b=\sqrt{405} \Leftrightarrow AE=\frac{b}{3}=\sqrt{45}.$ But, $3^2+6^2=45,$ meaning that $\angle{APE}=90 \Leftrightarrow [APE]=\frac{(6)(3)}{2}=9=a.$ Since $[ABC]=a+a+2a+2a+3a+3a=12a=(12)(9)=108,$ we conclude that the answer is $\boxed{108}$.

Solution 5 (Mass of a Point, Stewart's Theorem, Heron's Formula)

Firstly, since they all meet at one single point, denoting the mass of them separately. Assuming $M(A)=6;M(D)=6;M(B)=3;M(E)=9$; we can get that $M(P)=12;M(F)=9;M(C)=3$; which leads to the ratio between segments, \[\frac{CE}{AE}=2;\frac{BF}{AF}=2;\frac{BD}{CD}=1.\] Denoting that $CE=2x;AE=x; AF=y; BF=2y; CD=z; DB=z.$

Now we know three cevians' length, Applying Stewart theorem to them, getting three different equations: \begin{align} (3x)^2 \cdot 2y+(2z)^2 \cdot y&=(3y)(2y^2+400), \\ (3y)^2 \cdot z+(3x)^2 \cdot z&=(2z)(z^2+144), \\ (2z)^2 \cdot x+(3y)^2 \cdot x&=(3x)(2x^2+144). \end{align} After solving the system of equation, we get that $x=3\sqrt{5};y=\sqrt{13};z=3\sqrt{13}$;

pulling $x,y,z$ back to get the length of $AC=9\sqrt{5};AB=3\sqrt{13};BC=6\sqrt{13}$; now we can apply Heron's formula here, which is \[\sqrt\frac{(9\sqrt{5}+9\sqrt{13})(9\sqrt{13}-9\sqrt{5})(9\sqrt{5}+3\sqrt{13})(9\sqrt{5}-3\sqrt{13})}{16}=108.\]

Our answer is $\boxed{108}$.

~bluesoul

Note (how to find x and y without the system of equations)

To ease computation, we can apply Stewart's Theorem to find $x$, $y$, and $z$ directly. Since $M(C)=3$ and $M(F)=9$, $\overline{PC}=15$ and $\overline{PF}=5$. We can apply Stewart's Theorem on $\triangle CPE$ to get $(2x+x)(2x \cdot x) + 3^2 \cdot 3x = 15^2 \cdot x + 6^2\cdot 2x$. Solving, we find that $x=3\sqrt{5}$. We can do the same on $\triangle APB$ and $\triangle BPC$ to obtain $y$ and $z$. We proceed with Heron's Formula as the solution states.

~kn07

Solution 6 (easier version of Solution 5)

In Solution 5, instead of finding all of $x, y, z$, we only need $y, z$. This is because after we solve for $y, z$, we can notice that $\triangle BAD$ is isosceles with $AB = BD$. Because $P$ is the midpoint of the base, $BP$ is an altitude of $\triangle BAD$. Therefore, $[BAD] = \frac{(AD)(BP)}{2} = \frac{12 \cdot 9}{2} = 54$. Using the same altitude property, we can find that $[ABC] = 2[BAD] = 2 \cdot 54 = \boxed{108}$.

-NL008

Solution 7 (Mass Points, Stewart's Theorem, Simple Version)

Set $AF=x,$ and use mass points to find that $PF=5$ and $BF=2x.$ Using Stewart's Theorem on $APB,$ we find that $AB=3\sqrt{13}.$ Then we notice that $APB$ is right, which means the area of $APB$ is $27.$ Because $CF=4\cdot PF,$ the area of $ABC$ is $4$ times the area of $APB,$ which means the area of $ABC=4\cdot 27=\boxed{108}.$

Solution 8 (Ratios, Auxiliary Lines and 3-4-5 triangle)

We try to solve this using only elementary concepts. Let the areas of triangles $BCP$, $ACP$ and $ABP$ be $X$, $Y$ and $Z$ respectively. Then $\frac{X}{Y+Z}=\frac{6}{6}=1$ and $\frac{Y}{X+Z}=\frac{3}{9}=\frac{1}{3}$. Hence $\frac{X}{2}=Y=Z$. Similarly $\frac{FP}{PC}=\frac{Z}{X+Y}=\frac{1}{3}$ and since $CF=20$ we then have $FP=5$. Additionally we now see that triangles $FPE$ and $CPB$ are similar, so $FE \parallel BC$ and $\frac{FE}{BC} = \frac{1}{3}$. Hence $\frac{AF}{FB}=\frac{1}{2}$. Now construct a point $K$ on segment $BP$ such that $BK=6$ and $KP=3$, we will have $FK \parallel AP$, and hence $\frac{FK}{AP} = \frac{FK}{6} = \frac{2}{3}$, giving $FK=4$. Triangle $FKP$ is therefore a 3-4-5 triangle! So $FK \perp BE$ and so $AP \perp BE$. Then it is easy to calculate that $Z = \frac{1}{2} \times 6 \times 9 = 27$ and the area of triangle $ABC = X+Y+Z = 4Z = 4 \times 27 = \boxed{108}$. ~Leole


Solution 9 (Just Trig Bash)

We start with mass points as in Solution 2, and receive $BF:AF = 2$, $BD:CD = 1$, $CE:AE = 2$. Law of Cosines on triangles $ADB$ and $ADC$ with $\theta = \angle ADB$ and $BD=DC=x$ gives \[36+x^2-12x\cos \theta = 81\] \[36+x^2-12x\cos (180-\theta) = 36+x^2+12x\cos \theta = 225\] Adding them: $72+2x^2=306 \implies x=3\sqrt{13}$, so $BC = 6\sqrt{13}$. Similarly, $AB = 3\sqrt{13}$ and $AC = 9\sqrt{5}$. Using Heron's, \[[ \triangle ABC ]= \sqrt{\left(\dfrac{9\sqrt{13}+9\sqrt{5}}{2}\right)\left(\dfrac{9\sqrt{13}09\sqrt{5}}{2}\right)\left(\dfrac{3\sqrt{13}+9\sqrt{5}}{2}\right)\left(\dfrac{-3\sqrt{13}+9\sqrt{5}}{2}\right)} = \boxed{108}.\]

~sml1809

See also

1989 AIME (Problems • Answer Key • Resources)
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