Difference between revisions of "1998 AHSME Problems/Problem 28"

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== Solution ==
 
Let <math>\theta = \angle DAB</math>, so <math>2\theta = \angle CAD</math> and <math>3 \theta = \angle CAB</math>. Then, it is given that <math>\cos 2\theta = \frac{AC}{AD} = \frac{2}{3}</math> and
 
 
 
<center><math>\frac{BD}{CD} = \frac{AC(\tan 3\theta - \tan 2\theta)}{AC \tan 2\theta} = \frac{\tan 3\theta}{\tan 2\theta} - 1.</math></center>
 
 
 
Now, through the use of trigonometric identities, <math>\cos 2\theta = 2\cos^2 \theta - 1 = \frac{2}{\sec ^2 \theta} - 1 = \frac{1 - \tan^2 \theta}{1 + \tan ^2 \theta} = \frac{2}{3}</math>. Solving yields that <math>\tan^2 \theta = \frac 15</math>. Using the tangent addition identity, we find that <math>\tan 2\theta = \frac{2\tan \theta}{1 - \tan ^2 \theta},\ \tan 3\theta = \frac{3\tan \theta - \tan^3 \theta}{1 - 3\tan^2 \theta}</math>, and
 
 
 
<center><math>\frac{BD}{CD} = \frac{\tan 3\theta}{\tan 2\theta} - 1 = \frac{(3 - \tan^2 \theta)(1-\tan ^2 \theta)}{2(1 - 3\tan^2 \theta)} - 1 = \frac{(1 + \tan^2 \theta)^2}{2(1 - 3\tan^2 \theta)} = \frac{9}{5}</math></center>
 
 
 
and <math>\frac{CD}{BD} = \frac{5}{9} \Longrightarrow m+n = 14 \Longrightarrow \mathbf{(B)}</math>. (This also may have been done on a calculator by finding <math>\theta</math> directly)
 
 
 
==Solution 2==
 
==Solution 2==
  

Revision as of 10:22, 30 July 2017

Solution 2

Let $AC=2$ and $AD=3$. By the Pythagorean Theorem, $CD=\sqrt{5}$. Let point $P$ be on segment $CD$ such that $AP$ bisects $\angle CAD$. Thus, angles $CAP$, $PAD$, and $DAB$ are congruent. Applying the angle bisector theorem on $ACD$, we get that $CP=\frac{2\sqrt{5}}{5}$ and $PD=\frac{3\sqrt{5}}{5}$. Pythagorean Theorem gives $AP=\frac{\sqrt{5}\sqrt{24}}{5}$.

Let $DB=x$. By the Pythagorean Theorem, $AB=\sqrt{(x+\sqrt{5})^{2}+2^2}$. Applying the angle bisector theorem again on triangle $APB$, we have \[\frac{\sqrt{(x+\sqrt{5})^{2}+2^2}}{x}=\frac{\frac{\sqrt{5}\sqrt{24}}{5}}{\frac{3\sqrt{5}}{5}}\] The right side simplifies to$\frac{\sqrt{24}}{3}$. Cross multiplying, squaring, and simplifying, we get a quadratic: \[5x^2-6\sqrt{5}x-27=0\] Solving this quadratic and taking the positive root gives \[x=\frac{9\sqrt{5}}{5}\] Finally, taking the desired ratio and canceling the roots gives $\frac{CD}{BD}=\frac{5}{9}$. The answer is $\fbox{(B) 14}$.

See also

1998 AHSME (ProblemsAnswer KeyResources)
Preceded by
Problem 27
Followed by
Problem 29
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