Difference between revisions of "1956 AHSME Problems/Problem 30"

m (Solution)
m (Solution)
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==Solution==
 
==Solution==
 
Drawing the altitude, we see that is opposite the <math>60^{\circ}</math> angle in a <math>30-60-90</math> triangle. Thus, we find that the shortest leg of that triangle is <math>\sqrt{\frac{6}{3}} = \sqrt{2}</math>, and the side of the equilateral triangle is then <math>2\sqrt{2}</math>. Thus, the area is
 
Drawing the altitude, we see that is opposite the <math>60^{\circ}</math> angle in a <math>30-60-90</math> triangle. Thus, we find that the shortest leg of that triangle is <math>\sqrt{\frac{6}{3}} = \sqrt{2}</math>, and the side of the equilateral triangle is then <math>2\sqrt{2}</math>. Thus, the area is
<cmath>\frac{(2\sqrt 2)^2 \cdot \sqrt{3}}{4} = \frac{8 \sqrt{3}}{4} = 2 \sqrt {3}}</cmath>
+
<cmath>\frac{(2\sqrt 2)^2 \cdot \sqrt{3}}{4}</cmath> <cmath>= \frac{8 \sqrt{3}}{4}</cmath> <cmath>= 2 \sqrt {3}}</cmath>
 
<math>\boxed{B}</math>
 
<math>\boxed{B}</math>
  
 
~JustinLee2017
 
~JustinLee2017

Revision as of 18:01, 12 February 2021

Solution

Drawing the altitude, we see that is opposite the $60^{\circ}$ angle in a $30-60-90$ triangle. Thus, we find that the shortest leg of that triangle is $\sqrt{\frac{6}{3}} = \sqrt{2}$, and the side of the equilateral triangle is then $2\sqrt{2}$. Thus, the area is

\[\frac{(2\sqrt 2)^2 \cdot \sqrt{3}}{4}\] \[= \frac{8 \sqrt{3}}{4}\]

\[= 2 \sqrt {3}}\] (Error compiling LaTeX. Unknown error_msg)

$\boxed{B}$

~JustinLee2017