2016 AMC 10B Problems/Problem 10

Revision as of 16:45, 22 July 2021 by Mobius247 (talk | contribs) (Solution 3)

Problem

A thin piece of wood of uniform density in the shape of an equilateral triangle with side length $3$ inches weighs $12$ ounces. A second piece of the same type of wood, with the same thickness, also in the shape of an equilateral triangle, has side length of $5$ inches. Which of the following is closest to the weight, in ounces, of the second piece?

$\textbf{(A)}\ 14.0\qquad\textbf{(B)}\ 16.0\qquad\textbf{(C)}\ 20.0\qquad\textbf{(D)}\ 33.3\qquad\textbf{(E)}\ 55.6$

Solution 1

We can solve this problem by using similar triangles, since two equilateral triangles are always similar. We can then use

$\left(\frac{3}{5}\right)^2=\frac{12}{x}$.

We can then solve the equation to get $x=\frac{100}{3}$ which is closest to $\boxed{\textbf{(D)}\ 33.3}$

Solution 2

Also recall that the area of an equilateral triangle is $\frac{a^2\sqrt3}{4}$ so we can give a ratio as follows:


$\frac{\frac{9\sqrt3}{4}}{12}$ $=$ $\frac{\frac{25\sqrt3}{4}}{x}$

Cross multiplying and simplifying, we get $12 \cdot \frac{25}{9}$

Which is $33.\overline{3}$ $\approx$ $\boxed{\textbf{(D)}\ 33.3}$

  • Solution by $AOPS12142015$

Solution 3

Note that the ratio of the two triangle's weights is equal to the ratio of their areas, as the height is the same. The ratio of their areas is equal to the square of the ratio of their sides. So if $x$ denotes the weight of the second triangle, we have \[\frac{x}{12}=\frac{5^2}{3^2}=\frac{25}{9}\] Solving gives us $x \approx 33.33$ so the answer is $\boxed{\textbf{(D)}\ 33.3}$.


Note: In general, the weight would be directly proportional to the volume. However, we are told they have equal height, so we essentially treat the problem as 2D.

Video Solution

https://youtu.be/iAE4sL27on4

~savannahsolver

See Also

2016 AMC 10B (ProblemsAnswer KeyResources)
Preceded by
Problem 9
Followed by
Problem 11
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All AMC 10 Problems and Solutions

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