Difference between revisions of "1987 AIME Problems/Problem 6"

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===Solution 3===
 
===Solution 3===
Since <math>XY = YB + BC + CZ = ZW = WD + DA + AX</math>. Let <math>a = AX + DW = BY + CZ</math>. Since 2AB - 2a = XY = WZ, then <math>XY = AB - a</math>.Let <math>S</math> be the midpoint of <math>DA</math>, and <math>T</math> be the midpoint of <math>CB</math>. Since the area of <math>PQWZ</math> and <math>PQYX</math> are the same, then their heights are the same, and so <math>PQ</math> is [[equidistant]] from <math>AB</math> and <math>CD</math>. This means that <math>PS</math> is perpendicular to <math>DA</math>, and <math>QT</math> is perpendicular to <math>BC</math>. Therefore, <math>PSCW</math>, <math>PSAX</math>, <math>QZCT</math>, and <math>QYTB</math> are all trapezoids, and <math>QT = (AB - 87)/</math>2. This implies that <cmath>((a + 2((AB - 87)/2)/2) \cdot 19 = (((AB - a) + 87)/2) \cdot 19</cmath> <cmath>(a + AB - 87) = AB - a + 87</cmath> so <cmath>a = 87</cmath> Since <math>a + CB = XY</math>, <math>XY = 19 + 87 = 106, and AB = 106 + 87 = \boxed{193}</math>.
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Since <math>XY = YB + BC + CZ = ZW = WD + DA + AX</math>. Let <math>a = AX + DW = BY + CZ</math>. Since 2AB - 2a = XY = WZ, then <math>XY = AB - a</math>.Let <math>S</math> be the midpoint of <math>DA</math>, and <math>T</math> be the midpoint of <math>CB</math>. Since the area of <math>PQWZ</math> and <math>PQYX</math> are the same, then their heights are the same, and so <math>PQ</math> is [[equidistant]] from <math>AB</math> and <math>CD</math>. This means that <math>PS</math> is perpendicular to <math>DA</math>, and <math>QT</math> is perpendicular to <math>BC</math>. Therefore, <math>PSCW</math>, <math>PSAX</math>, <math>QZCT</math>, and <math>QYTB</math> are all trapezoids, and <math>QT = (AB - 87)/</math>2. This implies that <cmath>((a + 2((AB - 87)/2)/2) \cdot 19 = (((AB - a) + 87)/2) \cdot 19</cmath> <cmath>(a + AB - 87) = AB - a + 87</cmath> <cmath>2a = 174</cmath> <cmath>a = 87</cmath> Since <math>a + CB = XY</math>, <math>XY = 19 + 87 = 106, and AB = 106 + 87 = \boxed{193}</math>.
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==

Revision as of 21:57, 14 February 2014

Problem

Rectangle $ABCD$ is divided into four parts of equal area by five segments as shown in the figure, where $XY = YB + BC + CZ = ZW = WD + DA + AX$, and $PQ$ is parallel to $AB$. Find the length of $AB$ (in cm) if $BC = 19$ cm and $PQ = 87$ cm.

AIME 1987 Problem 6.png

Solution

Solution 1

Since $XY = WZ$, $PQ = PQ$ and the areas of the trapezoids $PQZW$ and $PQYX$ are the same, then the heights of the trapezoids are the same. Thus both trapezoids have area $\frac{1}{2} \cdot \frac{19}{2}(XY + PQ) = \frac{19}{4}(XY + 87)$. This number is also equal to one quarter the area of the entire rectangle, which is $\frac{19\cdot AB}{4}$, so we have $AB = XY + 87$.

In addition, we see that the perimeter of the rectangle is $2AB + 38 = XA + AD + DW + WZ + ZC + CB + BY + YX = 4XY$, so $AB + 19 = 2XY$.

Solving these two equations gives $AB = \boxed{193}$.


Solution 2

Let $YB=a$, $CZ=b$, $AX=c$, and $WD=d$. First we drop a perpendicular from $Q$ to a point $R$ on $BC$ so $QR=H$. Since $XY = WZ$ and $PQ = PQ$ and the areas of the trapezoids $PQZW$ and $PQYX$ are the same, the heights of the trapezoids are both $\frac{19}{2}$.From here, we have that $[BYQZC]=\frac{a+h}{2}*19/2+\frac{b+h}{2}*19/2=19/2* \frac{a+b+2h}{2}$. We are told that this area is equal to $[PXYQ]=\frac{19}{2}* \frac{XY+87}{2}=\frac{19}{2}* \frac{a+b+106}{2}$. Setting these equal to each other and solving gives $H=53$. In the same way, we find that the perpendicular from $P$ to $AD$ is $53$. So $AB=53*2+87=\boxed{193}$


Solution 3

Since $XY = YB + BC + CZ = ZW = WD + DA + AX$. Let $a = AX + DW = BY + CZ$. Since 2AB - 2a = XY = WZ, then $XY = AB - a$.Let $S$ be the midpoint of $DA$, and $T$ be the midpoint of $CB$. Since the area of $PQWZ$ and $PQYX$ are the same, then their heights are the same, and so $PQ$ is equidistant from $AB$ and $CD$. This means that $PS$ is perpendicular to $DA$, and $QT$ is perpendicular to $BC$. Therefore, $PSCW$, $PSAX$, $QZCT$, and $QYTB$ are all trapezoids, and $QT = (AB - 87)/$2. This implies that \[((a + 2((AB - 87)/2)/2) \cdot 19 = (((AB - a) + 87)/2) \cdot 19\] \[(a + AB - 87) = AB - a + 87\] \[2a = 174\] \[a = 87\] Since $a + CB = XY$, $XY = 19 + 87 = 106, and AB = 106 + 87 = \boxed{193}$.

See also

1987 AIME (ProblemsAnswer KeyResources)
Preceded by
Problem 5
Followed by
Problem 7
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All AIME Problems and Solutions

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