Difference between revisions of "2012 AMC 10B Problems/Problem 14"

(format the equations)
Line 4: Line 4:
 
Observe that the rhombus is made up of two congruent equilateral triangles with side length equal to GF. Since AE has length <math>\sqrt{3}</math> and triangle AEF is a 30-60-90 triangle, it follows that EF has length 1. By symmetry, HG also has length 1. Thus GF has length <math>2\sqrt{3} - 2</math>. The formula for the area of an equilateral triangle of length s is <math>\frac{\sqrt{3}}{4}s^2</math>. It follows that the area of the rhombus is:
 
Observe that the rhombus is made up of two congruent equilateral triangles with side length equal to GF. Since AE has length <math>\sqrt{3}</math> and triangle AEF is a 30-60-90 triangle, it follows that EF has length 1. By symmetry, HG also has length 1. Thus GF has length <math>2\sqrt{3} - 2</math>. The formula for the area of an equilateral triangle of length s is <math>\frac{\sqrt{3}}{4}s^2</math>. It follows that the area of the rhombus is:
  
<math>2*\frac{\sqrt{3}}{4}(2\sqrt{3}-2)^2 = 8\sqrt{3} - 12</math>
+
<math>2\times\frac{\sqrt{3}}{4}(2\sqrt{3}-2)^2 = 8\sqrt{3} - 12</math>
  
 
Thus, answer choice D is correct.
 
Thus, answer choice D is correct.

Revision as of 21:10, 15 February 2013

Solution

2012 AMC-10B-14.jpg

Observe that the rhombus is made up of two congruent equilateral triangles with side length equal to GF. Since AE has length $\sqrt{3}$ and triangle AEF is a 30-60-90 triangle, it follows that EF has length 1. By symmetry, HG also has length 1. Thus GF has length $2\sqrt{3} - 2$. The formula for the area of an equilateral triangle of length s is $\frac{\sqrt{3}}{4}s^2$. It follows that the area of the rhombus is:

$2\times\frac{\sqrt{3}}{4}(2\sqrt{3}-2)^2 = 8\sqrt{3} - 12$

Thus, answer choice D is correct.